Hepatitis B, C and D coinfection in HIV-infected patients: prevalence and progress

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Virology
• Infectious Diseases
• Immunology

Background:

• Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has increased life expectancy for HIV patients.
• Hepatitis virus coinfections (HBV, HCV, HDV) are now leading causes of mortality in HIV-positive individuals.
• Understanding the prevalence and consequences of these coinfections is critical for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of HIV/HBV, HIV/HCV, and HIV/HDV coinfections.
• To assess the impact of these coinfections on hepatitis virus marker expression.
• To evaluate the consequences of coinfections on disease progression, including liver damage.

Main Methods:

• Study involved 300 patients (aged 18-63) with HIV and/or hepatitis viruses.
• Participants were tested for specific infection markers using the ELISA technique.
• Groups were categorized into coinfected (HIV + hepatitis virus) and monoinfected (HIV or hepatitis virus only) cases and controls.

Main Results:

• Prevalence of HIV/HBV coinfection was 14% (16/130).
• Prevalence of HIV/HDV coinfection was observed in 5 coinfected participants out of 50 HDV-infected patients.
• Prevalence of HIV/HCV coinfection was 25% (among 170 HCV-infected participants).
• Coinfections altered hepatitis marker expression compared to monoinfections, indicating accelerated hepatitis progression.
• Inadequate immune response in coinfected patients contributed to cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease.

Conclusions:

• HIV coinfections significantly impact the progression of hepatitis B, C, and D infections.
• Altered marker expression suggests a heightened inflammatory response and disease acceleration.
• Coinfected individuals face an increased risk of developing severe liver disease, including cirrhosis.