Active co-infection with HBV and/or HCV in South African HIV positive patients due for cancer therapy

Triple positivity of HBsAg, anti-HCV antibody, and HIV and their influence on CD4+ lymphocyte levels in the highly HIV infected population of Abeokuta, Nigeria

BACKGROUND

Few studies exist on hospital-based seroprevalence of triple positivity of HIV/HBV/HCV in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVES

The study aimed at determining the triple positivity of HIV, HBsAg and HCV among HIV-infected individuals in Abeokuta, Nigeria and defining the influence of these triple infections on CD4+ counts of HIV-infected individuals as antiretroviral therapy improves in Nigeria.

METHODS

Enumeration of CD4+ levels in 183 HIV-infected persons was done with Partec Flow Cytometer. Seropositivity of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody was detected with rapid kits.

RESULTS

From the result obtained, significance variance (p<0.05) existed between HIV positive persons and persons who tested positive to HIV/HBV/HCV triple infection before and after the commencement of HAART. Of these infections, 31(16.9%) had HBV/HCV/HIV triple infection, while 152(83.1%) had HIV mono infection only, 56(30.6%) had HBV/HIV dual infection only and 43(23.5%) had HCV/HIV dual infection only. Significant variance (p<0.05) also existed between subjects with CD4 counts of <200 cells/µl, 200-499 cells/µl and >500 cells/µl. Highest seroprevalence of HIV (35.0%) was found in age groups 35-44 years and >65 years had the least (2.7%). Significant variance (p<0.05) also existed in the progression of CD4+ lymphocytes cells between subjects with persistent decrease (32.3%) in CD4+ lymphocytes cells and those with fluctuation in their CD4+ lymphocytes cells (12.9%) after the commencement of ART.

CONCLUSION

The study further confirms that triple positivity of HIV/HBV/HCV infection is common in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Testing of these triple infections should be a big concern in the best choice and commencement of ART. Also, the study showed that consistent and prolonged use of HAART had a positive impact on the CD4 count of HIV-infected individuals.

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Co-Infection Among HIV Infected Individuals at Tertiary Care Hospital in Western Nepal

BACKGROUND

The HIV, HBV and HCV viruses are the major public health concern all over the world including Nepal. The aim of the study is to determine the rate of HBV and HCV co-infections in patients with HIV infection.

METHODS

The study cohort included 218 consecutive HIV infected patients who were examined for co-infection with HBV or HCV or both at Manipal teaching hospital, Western Nepal. The demographic data of the subjects was collected retrospectively. The data was analyzed with SPSS software and EPI Info to measure the correlation of variables and infection rates.

RESULTS

In the course of six years study period, a total of 25,708 samples were collected for HIV screening test. The 218 (0.8%) screen test positive for HIV were confirmed as per WHO guidelines. The overall rate of co-infection with HBV and or HCV was 7.3% (16 of 218 patients). Only 7 (3.2% [CI 1.3, 6.5]) were positive for both HIV and HBV infection markers and 9 (4.1% [CI 1.9, 7.7]) were positive for HIV and HCV infection markers. None were positive of all three virus markers.

CONCLUSION

It is advisable to implementregular screening for Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus among all HIV infected individuals and their sexual partners.