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Detection of hepatitis C virus among HIV patients in Port Harcourt, Rivers State
Glory Barinuaka Baeka1,2, Julius Kola Oloke1, Oluyinka Oladele Opaleye1,3
1Department of Pure and Applied Biology (Microbiology/Virology Unit), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection is prevalent in HIV-infected individuals in Port Harcourt. Routine screening for HCV is recommended for this population, as low CD4+ counts were observed regardless of age or gender.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant global pathogen linked to chronic liver disease.
- HIV/HCV co-infection presents a heightened risk for adverse health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HCV infection among individuals living with HIV in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
- To investigate the relationship between HCV infection and CD4+ counts in this population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 550 HIV-infected patients (aged 18+) attending an antiretroviral clinic.
- Data collection included a modified questionnaire, blood sample analysis for HCV antibodies, and retrieval of CD4+ counts from patient files.
- HCV antibody detection utilized a third-generation commercial kit; statistical analysis was performed using Stata v16.
Main Results:
- The overall prevalence of HCV antibody positivity was 4.4% (24/550).
- The highest prevalence (29.2%) was observed in the 31-35 age group.
- Mean CD4+ count was 303.08±194 cells/µl, with no significant age or gender dependency.
Conclusions:
- HIV/HCV co-infection is present in the studied population in Port Harcourt.
- Low CD4+ counts were noted in co-infected individuals, independent of age or gender.
- Routine HCV screening is advised for all HIV-infected patients.
Background:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) a major human pathogen infecting millions of individuals worldwide, thereby increasing the risks for chronic liver diseases and has been discovered that HIV/HCV co-infected patients have a greater risk.
Objective:
To determine the prevalence of HCV infection among HIV infected people in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Methodology:
The patients were from the ages of 18 and above attending the antiretroviral clinic for over 6 months. The mean age of the participants was 36.91±8.38. Data were gotten from the 550 patients using a modified questionnaire and 5mls of blood samples were collected through venepuncture into EDTA bottles and spun at 3000rpm for 10 minutes separating the plasma from the whole blood. The CD4+ count was gotten from the patients' file and the samples kept at -700C till analized. HCV antibody was detected using a commercially available third generation kit manufactured by Melsin Medical Co and statistical analysis was done using a Stata version 16. P value was determined using ANOVA.
Result:
Total number positive to the HCV antibody was 24(4.4%) of which 8(33.3%) were males, while 16(66.7%) were females. Prevalence (29.2%) was among patients in the 31-35 age range. The CD4+ count ranged from 22-864 cells/µl with a mean value of 303.08±194.
Conclusion:
From this study HIV/HCV co-infection occurs among HIV infected people in Port Harcourt. The CD4+ count was discovered to be low and was not age, nor gender dependent. HIV infected people should therefore be routinely screened for HCV.
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