Related Experiment Videos
[Seroprevalence of hepatitis C in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients]
S Ranger1, L Aussel, P Weinbreck
1Service de Bactériologie-Virologie, CHU Dupuytren, Limoges, France.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody prevalence was 29.3% in 150 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patients, with highest rates in intravenous drug users. Coinfection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) was common.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive individuals are at increased risk for various infections.
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV) are significant public health concerns, particularly in immunocompromised populations.
Purpose:
- To determine the prevalence of HCV antibodies in HIV-seropositive patients.
- To compare HCV seroprevalence across different HIV risk factor subgroups.
- To analyze the prevalence of HBV and HDV markers in relation to HCV status.
Summary:
- A study evaluated 150 HIV-seropositive patients for HCV antibodies using Ortho and Abbott assays, alongside HBV and HDV markers.
- Overall HCV antibody prevalence was 29.3%, with significant variations across risk groups (e.g., 73.5% in intravenous drug users).
- Prevalence of HBV and HDV markers was 75.7% and 17.5%, respectively, with HBcAb-positive patients more likely to have HCV antibodies.
Impact:
- Findings highlight the high burden of HCV infection within the HIV-seropositive population.
- The study underscores the commonality of coexposure or coinfection with HBV and HDV in this cohort.
- Further research is warranted to understand the impact of HIV/HCV coexposure on liver disease progression.
Abstract:
Prevalence of antibodies against hepatitis C virus (HCV) was evaluated using Ortho and Abbott HCV Elisa assays and the Abbott EIA Neutralization assay in 150 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-seropositive patients and compared with the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) markers. Overall prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies was 29.3%; significant variations were seen across human immunodeficiency virus risk factor subgroups: prevalence was 10.2% in homosexual men, 12.0% in bisexual men, 73.5% in intravenous drug users, 13.3% in blood transfusion recipients, and 16.6% in frequent travellers. Seroprevalence was higher in the 20 to 40 year-old age group and in patients stage II or III according to the Center for Disease Control classification. Prevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis D virus markers (75.7% and 17.5% respectively) was analyzed according to hepatitis C virus marker status; patients with HBcAb were more likely to have antibodies against hepatitis C virus than their HBcAb-negative counterparts. Further studies are needed to investigate the influence of coexposure to human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus on liver lesions. Data from this study show that coinfection or coexposure is common.