Hepatitis C antibody in a non-hemophiliac cohort infected with the human immunodeficiency virus

Area of Science:

• * Infectious Diseases
• * Hepatology
• * Virology

Background:

• * The advent of serologic tests for hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) enables comparative seroprevalence studies.
• * Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals are at increased risk for viral hepatitis coinfections.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To compare the seroprevalence of hepatitis C and hepatitis B in HIV-infected individuals.
• * To investigate associations between anti-HCV positivity and other serologic markers, liver enzymes, and demographics.

Main Methods:

• * Serologic testing for anti-HCV and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) in 493 HIV-infected US Air Force personnel.
• * Comparison of anti-HCV positive and negative groups regarding syphilis serologies (RPR, FTA-ABS), hepatic transaminase levels, and racial composition.

Main Results:

• * Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) was significantly more prevalent (59%) than anti-HCV (8%).
• * Anti-HBc was common in both anti-HCV positive and negative individuals.
• * Anti-HCV positive individuals were more likely to have a positive RPR (syphilis test), elevated hepatic transaminase levels, and be of Black racial background.

Conclusions:

• * Hepatitis B is more prevalent than hepatitis C in this cohort of HIV-infected individuals.
• * Hepatitis C infection in HIV-positive individuals is associated with a higher likelihood of concurrent syphilis infection and liver enzyme elevation.