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A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Iran: A Systematic Review and
Seyedeh-Kiana Razavi-Amoli1,2, Abbas Alipour3
1Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection affects over half of people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) in Iran. Screening and treatment are crucial to prevent severe liver disease and mortality in this population.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection significantly increases mortality and morbidity in people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH).
- Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of HCV coinfection in PWH is critical for effective public health strategies.
- Iran presents a unique epidemiological context for HCV/HIV coinfection that requires specific investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the epidemiology of HCV coinfection among PWH in Iran.
- To identify factors associated with HCV coinfection in the Iranian PWH population.
- To provide data to inform targeted screening and treatment interventions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of studies published between 2000 and January 1, 2021.
- Searched 5 databases (3 English, 2 Farsi) for prevalence data of HCV coinfection in PWH.
- Included 69 studies with a total of 12,996 PWH, excluding reviews, theses, and studies with unclear data.
Main Results:
- Overall HCV coinfection prevalence was 64% among Iranian PWH.
- Prevalence was higher in older PWH (≥35 years) at 69% and in PWH who inject drugs at 77%.
- HCV coinfection rates decreased from 67% (2000-2014) to 57% (2015-2020).
Conclusions:
- High HCV coinfection prevalence necessitates targeted interventions for PWH in Iran.
- Significant geographical variations in HCV coinfection underscore the need for localized strategies.
- HCV screening and treatment are essential to mitigate liver damage, cancer, and mortality risks in PWH.
Background:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is associated with higher mortality and morbidity in people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH).
Methods:
We aimed to characterize the epidemiology and factors associated with HCV coinfection among PWH in Iran. In this systematic review, we searched 3 English databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Embase) and 2 Farsi databases (Scientific Information Database and Magiran) for studies that measured the prevalence of HCV coinfection among PWH, published between 2000 and January 1, 2021. We included studies with a minimum sample size of 5 PWH. Reviews, editorials, conference abstracts, theses, studies with no relevant data, and unclear serological assays were excluded.
Results:
We summarized the HCV coinfection prevalence by random-effect meta-analysis and assessed the sources of heterogeneity by a meta-regression model. Of the 858 records identified, 69 eligible studies with 12 996 PWH were included. Overall, HCV coinfection prevalence was 64% (95% confidence interval [CI], 58-69). The prevalence was higher among older (mean age ≥35 years) PWH (69%; 95% CI, 64-74) and PWH who inject drugs (77%; 95% CI, 71-82). Furthermore, we found that coinfection was higher among studies conducted between 2000 and 2014 (67%; 95% CI, 59-75) versus 2015-2020 (57%; 95% CI, 50-64).
Conclusions:
The prevalence of HCV coinfection is high in Iranian PWH, with significant geographical variations. Hepatitis C virus screening and treatment among PWH are warranted to avoid the future burden of HCV-related liver damage, cancer, and mortality.
