Hepatitis C virus co infection in HIV positive patients

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co infection is reported common in HIV positive individuals and also responsible for increasing morbidity and mortality among them.

Objective: This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of antibodies to HCV (anti- HCV) among HIV positive patients.

Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out among HIV positive patients and HIV negative blood donors.

HIV infection was diagnosed in patients using Determine HIV- 1/2 rapid kits and Elisa based immunocombfirm, while Dialab Elisa kits were used for screening blood donors for HIV and also assaying anti HCV in all subjects.

Results: Anti-HCV was detected in 14.7% of patients and 1.1% of HIV negative blood donors. .HIV/ HCV co-infection rate was highest in the 30-39years age group (P> 0.05)

Conclusion: Findings demonstrate a high prevalence with 13 fold higher risk of   HCV co infection among HIV-positive patients

Keywords: Hepatitis C, HIV, co-infection