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Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence and risk factors among patients with HIV infection

M C Mendes-Corrêa1, A A Barone, C Guastini

  • 1AIDS Outpatient Clinic, Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital das Clínicas, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil. cassiamc@uol.com.br

Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De Sao Paulo
|March 14, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is prevalent in HIV-positive patients, with intravenous drug use being a major risk factor. Sexual transmission also significantly contributes to HCV seroprevalence in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant health burden, particularly in populations with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • Understanding the prevalence and transmission dynamics of HCV in HIV-seropositive individuals is crucial for effective prevention and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of HCV infection among HIV-seropositive patients.
  • To identify and analyze the key risk factors associated with HCV infection in this cohort.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of medical records for 1,457 HIV-seropositive patients.
  • HCV infection screening using third-generation ELISA, with PCR confirmation for positive cases.
  • Detailed assessment of potential risk factors including intravenous drug use, sexual behaviors, and transfusion history.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 17.7% (258/1457 patients).
  • PCR confirmed HCV infection in 98% (81/82) of tested positive patients.
  • Intravenous drug use (58.5%) was the leading risk factor, followed by sexual transmission (16.3% as partners of HIV patients, 17.5% promiscuous habits).

Conclusions:

  • HCV infection is highly prevalent in HIV-seropositive individuals.
  • While intravenous drug use is a primary driver, sexual transmission plays a substantial role in HCV spread within this population.
  • Targeted interventions addressing both injection drug use and sexual risk behaviors are essential.

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