Hepatitis C among risk groups for HIV and hepatitis B.

In order to obtain more information on sexual transmission of hepatitis C (HCV) we compared different high-risk groups for HIV and hepatitis B to see if they were seropositive for HCV. A high seroprevalence (38/81) of hepatitis C (HCV) was found among intravenous drug users. Nursing staff (n = 35) and patients of a dialysis unit (n = 57) had a low prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies (0% and 5%, respectively). Serology laboratory technicians also had a very low prevalence (0% out of 29). Among prostitutes (n = 114), healthy homosexual men (n = 132) and HIV-infected homosexual men (n = 31), we found a remarkably low seroprevalence of HCV (3.5%, 0.8% and 0.0% respectively). These data support the view that parenteral exposure to the virus is the most important way of acquiring the infection and that neither heterosexual nor homosexual promiscuity are associated with a high risk of transmission of hepatitis C.     

Association of HCV and HBV markers in Spanish HIV-seropositive patients in relation to risk practices

BACKGROUND/AIMS: HBV, HCV, and HIV have some transmission routes in common. Viral liver disease is a leading cause of mortality in HIV-infected patients. The study was aimed at evaluating the prevalence of HBV and HCV markers in subjects with different risk practices for HIV infection. METHODOLOGY: A total of 699 subjects were studied Of these subjects, 517 were intravenous drug users (373 HIV-positive and 144 HIV-negative), 127 had heterosexual risk practice (66 HIV-positive and 61 HIV-negative), 31 had homosexual risk practice (all HIV-positive), 15 had post-transfusional HIV infection, and nine had HIV infection of unknown source. Patients with anti-HBc antibody were considered HBV-positive, and cases with anti-HCV antibodies were considered HCV-positive. RESULTS: Among patients with HIV infection, most intravenous drug users (79%) had markers of both HBV and HCV, compared with 20%, 11%, and 10% of cases infected by transfusional, heterosexual, and homosexual route, respectively (p < 0.001). Absence of both HBV and HCV markers was observed in most HIV-positive heterosexuals (62%) compared with 40% of post-transfusional cases, 32% of homosexuals and 4% of intravenous drug users (p: NS, p = 0.009, and p < 0.001, respectively). Isolated HBV-positivity was the most frequent pattern in HIV-infected homosexuals (58%), compared with 27% of post-transfusional, 21% of heterosexuals and 11% of intravenous drug users (p: NS, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). HIV-negative intravenous drug users had a lower prevalence of HBV/HCV association than HIV-positive cases (p < 0.001). Isolated HCV-positivity was more frequent in HIV-negative than in HIV-positive intravenous drug users (27% vs. 6%, p < 0.001). In heterosexuals, isolated HBV-positivity was more prevalent in HIV-positive than in HIV-negative cases (21% vs. 7%, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: HBV and HCV seroprevalence in HIV infected patients vary depending on the risk practice. This suggests a variable transmissibility depending on the route considered. Within the same risk practice, differences in HCV and HBV seroprevalence between HIV-positive and HIV-negative cases suggest that some factors associated with HIV infection may influence the rate of infection by HCV and HBV.     

Prevalence and sexual risk of hepatitis C virus infection when human immunodeficiency virus was acquired through sexual intercourse among patients of the Lyon University Hospitals, France, 1992-2002

To report the prevalence and the risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a hospital cohort of 2691 sexually human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. The patients were enrolled in the Lyon section of the French Hospital Database on HIV between 1992 and 2002. Baseline characteristics were analysed. The detection of HCV-antibodies (Ab) was used for diagnosis. The HCV-Ab prevalence rate was 5.7 and 12.89% for individuals infected by HIV after homosexual intercourse or heterosexual intercourse, respectively. HCV-Ab was three times more frequently found among patients infected with HIV after heterosexual intercourse compared with patients infected with HIV after homosexual intercourse (adjusted OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 2.28-4.62, multiple logistic regression). The risk of HCV infection among HIV-infected individuals differed according to sexual behaviour. The determinants associated with HCV transmission through the sexual route needs to be explored further.     

Significance of blood analysis in hemophiliacs co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis viruses

AIM： To study the effect of hepatitis virus infection on cirrhosis and liver function markers in HIV-infected hemophiliacs.
METHODS： We have analyzed the immunological, liver function and cirrhosis markers in a cohort of hemophiliacs co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus （HIV） and hepatitis viruses.
RESULTS： There was no difference in immunological markers among co-infected patients and patients infected with HIV only and those co-infected with one or more hepatitis virus. Although liver function and cirrhosis markers remained within a normal range, there was a worsening trend in all patients co-infected with hepatitis virus C （HCV）, which was further exacerbated in the presence of additional infection with hepatitis virus B （HBV）.
CONCLUSION： Co-infection with HIV, HBV and HCV leads to worsening of hyaluronic acid and liver function markers. Increases in serum hyaluronic acid may be suggestive of a predisposition to liver diseases.     

Hepatitis C Virus Infection in HIV-infected Patients

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a spherical enveloped RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family, classified within the Hepacivirus genus. Since its discovery in 1989, HCV has been recognized as a major cause of chronic hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis that progresses in some patients to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the United States, approximately 4 million people have been infected with HCV, and 10,000 HCVrelated deaths occur each year. Due to shared routes of transmission, HCV and HIV co-infection are common, affecting approximately one third of all HIV-infected persons in the United States. In addition, HIV co-infection is associated with higher HCV RNA viral load and a more rapid progression of HCV-related liver disease, leading to an increased risk of cirrhosis. HCV infection may also impact the course and management of HIV disease, particularly by increasing the risk of antiretroviral drug-induced hepatotoxicity. Thus, chronic HCV infection acts as an opportunistic disease in HIV-infected persons because the incidence of infection is increased and the natural history of HCV infection is accelerated in co-infected persons. Strategies to prevent primary HCV infection and to modify the progression of HCV-related liver disease are urgently needed among HIV/HCV co-infected individuals.     

Characteristics of co-infections by HCV and HBV among Brazilian patients infected by HIV-1 and/or HTLV-1

BackgroundThe human retroviruses HIV-1 and HTLV-1 share the routes of infection with hepatitis viruses B and C. Co-infection by these agents are a common event, but we have scarce knowledge on co-infection by two or more of these agents.ObjectiveTo evaluate the characteristics and risk factors for co-infections by HBV and HCV in patients infected by HIV-1 or/and HTLV-1, in Salvador, Brazil.MethodsIn a case–control study we evaluated patients followed in the AIDS and HTLV clinics of Federal University of Bahia Hospital. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics were reviewed, and patients were tested for the presence of serological markers of HBV and HCV infections. HCV-infected patients were tested by PCR to evaluate the presence of viremia.ResultsA total of 200 HIV-1, 213 HTLV-1-infected, and 38 HIV-HTLV-co-infected individuals were included. HIV-infected patients were more likely to have had more sexual partners in the lifetime than other patients’ groups. HIV-HTLV-co-infected subjects were predominantly male. Patients infected by HTLV or co-infected had a significantly higher frequency of previous syphilis or gonorrhea, while HIV infection was mainly associated with HPV infection. Co-infection was significantly associated to intravenous drug use (IVDU). HBV and/or HCV markers were more frequently found among co-infected patients. HBV markers were more frequently detected among HIV-infected patients, while HCV was clearly associated with IVDU across all groups. AgHBs was strongly associated with co-infection by HIV-HTLV (OR = 22.03, 95% CI: 2.69–469.7), as well as confirmed HCV infection (p = 0.001). Concomitant HCV and HBV infection was also associated with retroviral co-infection. Patients infected by HTLV-1 had a lower chance of detectable HCV viremia (OR = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.002–0.85).ConclusionsInfection by HCV and/or HBV is frequent among patients presenting retroviral infection, but risk factors and prevalence for each infection are distinct for each agent. Retroviral co-infection increases the risk of a positive AgHBs, but HTLV-1 infection seems to increase the likelihood of HCV spontaneous clearance.     

Hepatitis C virus in the setting of HIV or hepatitis B virus coinfection

Because of shared routes of transmission, coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV), or both, is common among HIV-infected persons, affecting approximately 15 to 30% and 10 to 15% of patients, respectively. Advances in antiretroviral therapy have improved the life expectancy of patients infected with HIV, and, as a consequence, HCV-related liver disease has emerged as a significant comorbid disease among such patients. Concurrent HIV infection may be associated with higher serum HCV RNA levels, accelerated progression of hepatic fibrosis, increased risk of end-stage liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma and death among persons coinfected with hepatitis C. Similarly, coinfection with HCV and HBV may lead to more severe liver disease and greater risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) than does HCV infection alone. Although definitive randomized controlled trials are not yet completed, current guidelines recommend the use of pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin for the treatment of chronic HCV in eligible HIV-infected persons. Conversely, the optimal treatment of chronic HCV in persons with chronic HBV infection has not been defined but may include pegylated interferon alfa plus ribavirin, with or without additional antiviral agents, such as lamivudine or adefovir, or both.     

HIV and coinfected patients

HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are major public health problems. Patients at risk for HIV infection are likely also at risk for HCV and HBV because of shared routes of transmission. HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) have a significant impact on HCV and HBV. HIV coinfection accelerates HCV and HBV natural history, leading to an increased incidence of cirrhosis, development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and death. Universal screening for HCV and HBV infections in HIV-infected patients is essential. Proper screening combined with up-to-date treatment strategies can prevent these complications. This review focuses on important aspects and recent developments in the rapidly evolving field of coinfection.     

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Japanese patients with HIV.

Patients with HIV infection are frequently infected with hepatitis viruses, which are presently the major cause of mortality in HIV-infected patients after the widespread use of highly active antiretrovirus therapy. We previously reported that approximately 20% of HIV-positive Japanese patients were also infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may also be an impediment to a good course of treatment for HIV-infected patients, because of recurrent liver injuries and a common effectiveness of some anti-HIV drugs on HBV replication. However, the status of co-infection with HIV and HBV in Japan is unclear. We conducted a nationwide survey to determine the prevalence of HIV-HBV co-infection by distributing a questionnaire to the hospitals belonging to the HIV/AIDS Network of Japan. Among the 5998patients reported to be HIV positive, 377 (6.4%) were positive for the hepatitis B surface antigen. Homosexual men accounted for two-thirds (70.8%) of the HIV-HBV co-infected patients, distinct from HIV-HCV co-infection in Japan in which most of the HIV-HCV co-infected patients were recipients of blood products. One-third of HIV-HBV co-infected patients had elevated serum alanine aminotransferase levels at least once during the 1-year observation period. In conclusion, some HIV-infected Japanese patients also have HBV infection and liver disease. A detailed analysis of the progression and activity of liver disease in co-infected patients is needed.     

Prevalence of occult hepatitis B & C in HIV patients infected through sexual transmission.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers including active and occult infection has not been described in diverse cohorts among HIV-infected patients in India. Earlier studies have explained the role of HBV/HCV co-infection in cohorts of injection drug users (IDUs) but the sexual co-transmission of HBV/ HCV is not completely understood. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of occult HBV & HCV infection in HIV positive sexually acquired transmission risk group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 58 sexually acquired HIV positive patients were taken up for the study of occult HBV/HCV co-infection. Data on demographics, sexual behaviour, sexually transmitted diseases (STD), medical history, laboratory tests viz., serum ALT and CD4 count were recorded. HBV serology included HBsAg, anti HBs, IgG anti HBc and HBV DNA (PCR). HCV serology included anti HCV & HCV RNA (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Occult HBV infection (HBV DNA) was observed in 12.2% (7/58 with HBsAg -ve and IgG anti HBc +ve subjects) while an overall prevalence of HBV DNA was 13.7% (12% occult & 1.7% in HBsAg+ve patients). Out of 58 HIV positive patients 29.3% demonstrated reactivity for any marker of past or current HBV infection. (HBsAg 1.7%, anti HBs 10.3% anti HBc IgG 17.2%). 4/58 (6.8%) revealed anti HCV positivity along with HCV RNA positivity by RT-PCR while 6/58 (10.3%) individuals revealed an occult HCV infection (anti HCV negative). The overall HCV RNA prevalence was 17.2%. 2 out of 58 (3.4%) individuals were positive for occult infection of both HBV DNA & HCV RNA (Triple infection HIV/HBV/ HCV). The HBV/HCV co-infected group (n = 18) showed a significantly high ALT (114.3 + 12.3 U/I) & low CD4 count (202.5 + 33.7 cells/mm3). The percent prevalence of HBV/ HCV co-infection was higher in the illiterate group, in men less than 30 years of age, and in those who were married and exhibited polygamous activity. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that in HIV infected patients testing only serological viral markers like HBsAg, antiHBcIgG & anti HCV, fails to identify the true prevalence of co-infection with HBV & HCV. Qualitative PCR for HBV DNA & HCV RNA detects co-infection in patients who are negative for serological markers. Also, in subjects who had only a sexual risk factor for parenterally transmitted infections, HIV may enhance the sexual transmission of HBV and HCV.     

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV co-infection at an antiretroviral centre in Delhi

With an estimated 5.7 million people living with HIV/AIDS, India has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence in the world, according to UNAIDS. Due to similar routes of transmission, co-infection of HIV with hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses is a common event with significant clinical implications. The present study was undertaken to highlight the profile of patients of HIV with HBV/HCV co-infection, as literature from India on this topic is sparse. Out of 1953 patients suffering from HIV registered at our centre during the study period, 80 patients were co-infected with HBV/HCV. HBV co-infection was detected in 2.61% of patients and HCV co-infection in 1.69% of subjects. Our study demonstrates low HIV /HCV/HBV co-infection rates in Delhi as compared to most other studies from India, which is partly attributable to low incidence of intravenous drug use and infrequent transfusion-related infections in our study group.     

Hepatitis C in the HIV-Infected Person

Because of shared routes of transmission, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in HIV-infected persons, who have been experiencing increasing HCV-related morbidity and mortality since the advent of effective antiretroviral therapy. Infection with HIV appears to adversely affect the outcome of hepatitis C, leading to increased viral persistence after acute infection, higher levels of viremia, and accelerated progression of HCV-related liver disease. In addition, hepatitis C may affect the course and management of HIV infection. The medical management of hepatitis C in HIV-infected persons is complicated by immune suppression, potential drug interactions and toxicities, and other forms of liver disease. In addition, there is little published experience with the safety and efficacy of the best available anti-HCV medications in HIV-infected persons. Thus, current efforts must be directed at preventing HCV and HIV infections and applying the principles learned in treating persons with either infection to manage those with both. Future efforts should include studies of the pathogenesis of HCV infection in HIV-infected persons and large, prospective studies that demonstrate the optimal management of persons co-infected with HIV and HCV. Such efforts will help to eliminate HCV-related liver disease as an emerging threat to HIV-infected persons.     

北京地区人类免疫缺陷病毒感染者合并乙型肝炎病毒感染的流行病学特征及影响因素分析

目的:分析北京市人类免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）感染者/艾滋病（AIDS）患者合并乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）感染的流行病学特征,并探索影响合并感染的相关因素。方法:对北京地区HIV/AIDS定点治疗医院（北京协和医院、北京地坛医院、北京佑安医院）长期随访的接受抗反转录病毒治疗（ART）的13 253例HIV感染者临床资料进行回顾...     

Sexual transmission is associated with spontaneous HCV clearance in HIV-infected patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There are conflicting data regarding the incidence and factors implicated in the spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after acute infection. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological factors that predict the resolution of acute HCV infection without therapy in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, multivariate analysis of epidemiological data from HIV-infected patients presenting from 2000 to 2007 with evidence of past or present HCV infection. Data were collected from one American and two European HIV treatment clinics. A final cohort of 769 HIV-infected patients referred for treatment with available test results for antibody to HCV, HCV RNA, and hepatitis B surface antigen were included for the analysis. We calculated spontaneous clearance rates based on race, geographical location, gender, transmission risk factors, and hepatitis B virus coinfection. RESULTS: Patients who admitted to a history of injection drug use spontaneously cleared the HCV infection significantly less often (11.6%) than those in whom sexual transmission was the presumed route of HCV infection (21.9%) (p=0.004). This difference was more pronounced when heterosexual contact as the source of infection was analyzed separately. Multivariate analysis identified heterosexual HCV transmission (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.55-5.09) and hepatitis B surface antigen carrier status (OR 10.3, 95% CI 4.29-24.73) as independent factors predicting spontaneous HCV clearance. No differences according to gender, race or geographical origin were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, sexual transmission, particularly heterosexual, and hepatitis B virus coinfection were the only factors associated with spontaneous HCV clearance in this HIV-infected population.     

经血液(非静脉吸毒者)和性途径传播的HIV感染者合并HBV和HCV感染的现状

目的 探讨我国经血液(非静脉吸毒者)和性途径传播的HIV感染者合并乙型肝炎和丙型肝炎的状况.方法 回顾性分析2005年1至9月在全国13个研究中心就诊的362例HIV/AIDS患者(静脉吸毒者除外),应用酶联免疫试剂盒分别测定其HBsAg、抗-HBs,HBeAg、抗-Hbe、抗-HBc和抗-HCV.采用t检验和X2检验分别对计量和计数结果进行统计学分析.结果 315例检测血HBV和HCV的患者中,HBsAg阳性14例,占4.4%;抗-HCV阳性158例,占50.2%,抗-HCV阴性157例,占49.8%;HIV、HBV、HCV共感染2例,占0.6%.抗-HCV阳性组中经血液和性传播的比例分别占92%和4%,以血液传播为主;抗-HCV阴性组中经血液和性传播的比例分别占11%和66%,以性传播为主.抗-HCV阳性组的HIV确诊时间、CD4+T淋巴细胞绝对计数、ALT和AST均高于抗-HCV阴性组.两组患者的HBV标志物表达也存在差异,其中抗-HCV阳性组中HBsAg阳性2例,占1.3%,抗-HCV阴性组中HBsAg阳性12例,占7.6%,两组比较差异有统计学意义(X2=7.542,P<0.01).10例HBsAg阳性者进行HBV DNA检测,其中4例阳性,抗-HCV均为阴性.57例抗-HCV阳性患者进行HCV RNA检测,阳性者占63.2%.结论 我国输血和性传播途径的HIV感染合并HBV或HCV感染,以合并HCV感染为主,并多见于经输血感染者.合并HCV感染可加重HIV患者的肝脏损伤,同时也可能存在干扰HBV复制的情况.     

Seroprevalence of HCV and its co-infection with HBV and HIV among liver disease patients of South Tamil Nadu

AIM: To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis delta agent (HDV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among liver disease patients of south Tamil Nadu.METHODS: A total of 1012 samples comprising 512 clinically diagnosed cases of liver disease patients and 500 apparently healthy age and sex matched individuals were screened for Hepatitis C virus (anti HCV and HCV RNA), Hepatitis B virus (HBsAg), Hepatitis delta agent (anti HDV) and Human immuno virus (antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2) using commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits. HCV RNA was detected by RT-PCR. Liver function tests like ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, bilirubin and albumin were also studied.RESULTS: The seroprevalence of HCV was found to be 5.6% among liver disease patients by ELISA. 27/512, 49/512 and 12/512 patients were positive for HIV, HBV & HDV respectively. Co-infection of HCV & HBV was found in 8 patients, with 6 for HCV & HIV and 4 for HCV, HBV & HIV co-infections. Sex-wise analysis showed that HIV, HCV & HBV and HCV & HIV co-infection was high among females whereas for HBV it was high in males. The mean ALT and AST in HCV positive cases were 42.1 ± 8.3 and 49 ± 10.1. In people co-infected with HCV & HBV or HCV & HIV or HCV, HBV & HIV the mean ALT of 58.0 ± 03.16, 56.78 ± 4.401 and 64.37 ± 4.01 respectively.CONCLUSION: We strongly recommend routine test of the blood for HCV in addition to HBV and HIV. We also recommend individualized counseling to identify those at risk and testing for those who want it. Improved surveillance and periodic epidemiological studies will have to be undertaken to monitor and prevent these blood-borne viruses.     

Hepatitis B virus coinfection in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients: A review

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Due to the shared modes of transmission, coinfection with HBV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is not uncommon. It is estimated that 10% of HIV-infected patients worldwide are coinfected with HBV. In areas where an HBV vaccination program is implemented, the HBV seroprevalence has declined significantly. In HIV/HBV-coinfected patients, HBV coinfection accelerates immunologic and clinical progression of HIV infection and increases the risk of hepatotoxicity when combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is initiated, while HIV infection increases the risk of hepatitis events, cirrhosis, and end-stage liver disease related to chronic HBV infection. With the advances in antiviral therapy, concurrent, successful long-term suppression of HIV and HBV replication can be achieved in the cART era. To reduce the disease burden of HBV infection among HIV-infected patients, adoption of safe sex practices, avoidance of sharing needles and diluent, HBV vaccination and use of cART containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate plus emtricitabine or lamivudine are the most effective approaches. However, due to HIV-related immunosuppression, using increased doses of HBV vaccine and novel approaches to HBV vaccination are needed to improve the immunogenicity of HBV vaccine among HIV-infected patients.     

Prevalence of hepatitis viruses in an anti-human immunodeficiency virus-positive population from Argentina. A multicentre study

The objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of infections with hepatotrophic viruses in an anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive population from Buenos Aires and to compare it among the main risk groups for HIV infection. Four hundred and eighty-four consecutive patients attending the HIV outpatients clinic were studied: 359 men and 125 women, median age 29 years (range 16-67 years); 35.5% had presented acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)-defining conditions. Two hundred and thirty-four patients were intravenous drug users (IVDU), 99 had homosexual and 142 heterosexual preference, seven had received blood transfusions and two had no risk factors. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAb) and to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) were investigated in all patients; antibodies to HBsAg (HBsAb) and IgG antibodies to hepatitis D virus (anti-HDV) in all HBcAb-positive patients; hepatitis B e antigen and antibodies to HBeAg (HBeAg) in all HBsAg-positive patients; IgG antibodies to hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV) in the first 307 patients; and IgG antibodies to hepatitis E virus (anti-HEV) in the first 91 patients. As control groups, contemporary voluntary blood donors were studied for prevalence of HAV, HBV, HCV and HEV. The percentages of HBcAb, HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HEV (58.5, 14.5, 58.5 and 6.6%, respectively) were significantly higher in anti-HIV-positive patients than in control groups (3.2, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.8%, respectively) (P = 0.000). The prevalence of HBcAb was significantly higher in IVDU (72.6%) than in heterosexuals (33.8%) (P = 0.0001) and in homosexuals (59.6%) (P = 0.0189). The percentage of HBsAg was significantly higher in IVDU (19.2%) than in heterosexuals (6.3%) (P = 0.0004). Anti-HCV was significantly higher in IVDU (92.3%) than in homosexuals (14.1%) and in heterosexuals (33.1%) (P = 0.000 in both cases). The prevalence of anti-HDV was relatively low (1.9%). There was no difference in the percentage of anti-HAV between HIV-positive and negative subjects. In conclusion, there is a high prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in HIV-positive patients from our area. Drug use is the main route of transmission, but prevalence of HCV in patients with, probably, sexually acquired HIV infection is also higher than in the control group. The increased prevalence of HEV infection in HIV-positive individuals is another provocative finding that warrants further study.     

Liver involvement in human immunodeficiency virus infection

The advances in management of patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with highly effective anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) have resulted in increased longevity of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. AIDS-related illnesses now account for less than 50 % of the deaths, and liver diseases have emerged as the leading cause of death in patients with HIV infection. Chronic viral hepatitis, drug-related hepatotoxicity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and opportunistic infections are the common liver diseases that are seen in HIV-infected individuals. Because of the shared routes of transmission, co-infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are very common in HIV-infected persons. Hepatitis C is the most common viral hepatitis seen in HIV-infected patients. With the availability of directly acting agents, treatment outcome of HCV is comparable to that seen in non HIV-infected patients. Careful monitoring is required for drug interactions and drug-induced hepatotoxicity and modification of drugs should be done where necessary. The results of liver transplantation in select HIV-infected patients can be comparable with those of HIV-negative patients.