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Hepatitis C prevalence among HIV-infected patients in Guinea-Bissau: a descriptive cross-sectional study

Bo Langhoff Hønge1, Sanne Jespersen1, Candida Medina2

  • 1Bandim Health Project, Indepth Network, Bissau, Guinea-Bissau; Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark.

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|September 17, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is uncommon in HIV-infected patients in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. Age over 50 was linked to HCV antibodies, with genotype 2 being prevalent.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection is a significant concern in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected populations.
  • Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of HCV in specific geographic regions, like Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, is crucial for public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of HCV infection among HIV-infected individuals in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau.
  • To identify clinical, biochemical, and demographic risk factors associated with HCV infection in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 576 HIV-infected patients (HIV-1, HIV-2, and HIV-1/2) was conducted.
  • HCV antibodies (anti-HCV), viral load, and genotype were assessed using serological tests and real-time PCR.
  • Statistical analysis, including multivariable logistic regression, was employed to identify associated factors.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 1.7%, and detectable HCV RNA was found in 1.4% of patients.
  • HCV genotype 2 was identified in all patients with detectable viral load.
  • Older age (>50 years) was significantly associated with anti-HCV reactivity (p<0.01).
  • Elevated amylase levels were more common in patients with detectable HCV RNA (p=0.03), but liver enzymes were not significantly different.

Conclusions:

  • HCV prevalence among HIV-infected patients in Bissau is low and comparable to other West African settings.
  • The study confirmed the presence of HCV genotype 2 in the region.
  • Age is a potential risk factor for HCV infection in this cohort, while clinical symptoms were not reliable indicators.
Abstract

Keywords:
Clinical presentationGuinea-BissauHIVHepatitis CPrevalenceRisk factor

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