Abstract
Background: Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections constitute a global health concern. They share common modes of transmission, increasing the likelihood of co-infection. Co-infection accelerates viral replication, promotes the progression of chronic liver diseases and challenges antiviral therapy. There are no available data addressing the magnitude of chronic viral hepatitis co-infection in people living with HIV in Egypt. Nor is there a mandate for HCV/HBV screening. This cross-sectional study provides needed data on HBV and/or HCV co-infection in Egyptian people living with HIV.
Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted at the HIV clinic in Alexandria Fever Hospital. The investigation included 168 confirmed HIV cases. All cases were interviewed and tested for HCV-Ab and HBsAg by ELISA.
Results: There were 52 (31%) persons who were anti-HCV positive. 40 of them had detectable HCV RNA (76.9%). HIV/HCV co-infection was significantly higher among males (40.7%) compared to only (10.9%) among females (OR = 3). History of imprisonment (OR = 4.84, CI: 1.33-17.62), accidental puncture with protruding needle contaminated with blood (OR = 3.35, CI: 0.99-11.72), alcohol use (OR = 3.03, CI: 1.13-8.09) and male gender (OR = 2.96, CI: 0.99-8.88) were all significant predictors for HIV/HCV co-infection. On the other hand, HIV/HCV co-infection was inversely associated with high education level (OR = 0.28, CI: 0.10-0.76). HBsAg was detected in 4 (2.4%), and anti-HBc in 49 (29.2%) of HIV patients. Previous HBV infection (positive anti-HBc/negative anti-HBs) was significantly associated with a history of female genital mutilation circumcision, injection drug use, invasive procedures, non-specific fatigue and HCV-Ab seropositivity.
Conclusion: Egyptian people living with HIV have an increased frequency of HCV antibody and HCV infection compared to the general population indicating a higher risk of infection and suggest a higher risk of HCV exposure. Past or present HBV co-infections are also elevated. Routine screening of these viruses in the management protocol of people living with HIV in Egypt is recommended.
Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus , human immune deficiency virus, co-infection, epidemiology, risk factors.
Graphical Abstract
Current HIV Research
Title:Prevalence and Risk Factors of HBV and HCV Co-Infection Among People Living with HIV in an Egyptian Setting
Volume: 19 Issue: 6
Author(s): Engy Mohamed El-Ghitany*, Azza Galal Farghaly and Yasmine Mohammed Alkassabany
Affiliation:
- Tropical Health Department, High Institute of Public Health, Alexandria University, 165 El-Horreya Avenue, Alexandria,Egypt
Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus , human immune deficiency virus, co-infection, epidemiology, risk factors.
Abstract:
Background: Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections constitute a global health concern. They share common modes of transmission, increasing the likelihood of co-infection. Co-infection accelerates viral replication, promotes the progression of chronic liver diseases and challenges antiviral therapy. There are no available data addressing the magnitude of chronic viral hepatitis co-infection in people living with HIV in Egypt. Nor is there a mandate for HCV/HBV screening. This cross-sectional study provides needed data on HBV and/or HCV co-infection in Egyptian people living with HIV.
Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted at the HIV clinic in Alexandria Fever Hospital. The investigation included 168 confirmed HIV cases. All cases were interviewed and tested for HCV-Ab and HBsAg by ELISA.
Results: There were 52 (31%) persons who were anti-HCV positive. 40 of them had detectable HCV RNA (76.9%). HIV/HCV co-infection was significantly higher among males (40.7%) compared to only (10.9%) among females (OR = 3). History of imprisonment (OR = 4.84, CI: 1.33-17.62), accidental puncture with protruding needle contaminated with blood (OR = 3.35, CI: 0.99-11.72), alcohol use (OR = 3.03, CI: 1.13-8.09) and male gender (OR = 2.96, CI: 0.99-8.88) were all significant predictors for HIV/HCV co-infection. On the other hand, HIV/HCV co-infection was inversely associated with high education level (OR = 0.28, CI: 0.10-0.76). HBsAg was detected in 4 (2.4%), and anti-HBc in 49 (29.2%) of HIV patients. Previous HBV infection (positive anti-HBc/negative anti-HBs) was significantly associated with a history of female genital mutilation circumcision, injection drug use, invasive procedures, non-specific fatigue and HCV-Ab seropositivity.
Conclusion: Egyptian people living with HIV have an increased frequency of HCV antibody and HCV infection compared to the general population indicating a higher risk of infection and suggest a higher risk of HCV exposure. Past or present HBV co-infections are also elevated. Routine screening of these viruses in the management protocol of people living with HIV in Egypt is recommended.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
El-Ghitany Mohamed Engy *, Farghaly Galal Azza and Alkassabany Mohammed Yasmine , Prevalence and Risk Factors of HBV and HCV Co-Infection Among People Living with HIV in an Egyptian Setting, Current HIV Research 2021; 19 (6) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570162X19666210805095712
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1570162X19666210805095712 |
Print ISSN 1570-162X |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4251 |

- Author Guidelines
- Bentham Author Support Services (BASS)
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers