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Viral hepatitis B and C in HIV-infected patients in Saudi Arabia

Ahmad Alhuraiji, Ali Alaraj, Saad Alghamdi

  • 1Dr. Abdulrahman A. Alrajhi, MBC 46 Department of Medicine,, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre,, PO Box 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia, T: +966 11 442 7494, F: +966 11 442 7499, rajhi@kfshrc.edu.sa.

Annals of Saudi Medicine
|October 1, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C and B infections are significantly more prevalent in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients in Saudi Arabia. This study highlights the urgent need for better hepatitis screening and management in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Hepatitis B and C are leading causes of mortality in HIV-infected individuals.
  • Limited prevalence data exists for viral hepatitis B and C in HIV-infected populations in the Middle East and North Africa.
  • This study addresses the data gap by reporting prevalence in Saudi Arabia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections among HIV-infected patients in Saudi Arabia.
  • To identify risk factors associated with HCV and HBV acquisition in this cohort.
  • To provide crucial epidemiological data for public health strategies.

Main Methods:

  • A longitudinal study was conducted on HIV patients aged 18 and older at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
  • Data were collected from January 1985 to December 2010 using patient charts and electronic health records.
  • Patients with perinatal HIV acquisition, those deceased before work-up, or lost to follow-up were excluded.

Main Results:

  • Hepatitis C infection was identified in 12% (41/341) of HIV patients, with blood transfusion (especially in hemophiliacs) and heterosexual transmission as primary risk factors.
  • Hepatitis B infection was found in 3% (11/341) of patients, with heterosexual transmission being the most common risk factor.
  • HCV genotypes 1 and 4 were most prevalent. HBV prevalence was 10 times higher and HCV prevalence 20 times higher than in the general population.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis C and B virus infections are highly prevalent in HIV-infected patients in Saudi Arabia.
  • Blood product transfusion and heterosexual transmission are significant risk factors for co-infection.
  • These findings underscore the importance of integrated screening and management of viral hepatitis in HIV care.
Abstract

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