The Prevalence of HBV and HCV Infection in HIV Positive Patients in Norht of Iran

Background: HIV infected persons are also at risk for Infection with other pathogens, like Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV). One of the main steps in the planning of treatment and prevention is the study of the HIV positive population who have HBV and/or HCV infection. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis B and C dual infection in north of Iran Materials and methods: Blood samples were collected into EDTA containing tubes by sterile syringes and needles from 83 HIV positive patients which were previously confirmed by Real-time Polymerase chain reaction in the HIV center of the north of IRAN. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data from participants. Samples were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibody. All non-reactive samples were recorded as negative. Results: Out of the 83 patients, 50(60%) were male and 33 (40%) were female. Positive hepatitis C antibody was found in 28 (33%) and positive hepatitis B surface antigen was present in 15 (18%) of patients. The frequency of all these three viruses co-infection was 7 (8%). Conclusion: Seroprevalence of HCV and HIV co-infection was high and it was strongly related to mutual ways of acquisition.