Evidence Of HIV/HCV Coinfection Among People Living With HIV/AIDS In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Coinfection of hepatitis C (HCV) may compromise antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Nigeria. In this study, we evaluated the seroprevalence of HIV/HCV coinfection in people living with HIV/AIDs (PLWHA) receiving ART and associated factors. Patients were selected from HIV-1-infected patients enrolled in National HAART Cohort at Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, Nigeria. Following the manufacturers instructions, medical assessments and anti-HCV antibody serology were obtained for analysis with an ELISA kit (Dia. Pro). A total of 4 of 104 PLWHA tested were anti-HCV antibody positive (4.0%). HIV/HCV coinfections were higher in age groups [≥]41 years (4.4%), males (7.0%), CD4 counts 350-499 cells/l (7.1%) and PVL [≥]1000 copies/ml (10.0%). CD4 counts and viral load were an indicator for HIV/HCV coinfections. Socio-demographic variables were not associated (p > 0.05) with HIV/HCV coinfection in univariate analysis; older PLWHA were more likely to be HCV-positive. Males were more prone to HIV/HCV coinfection than females. HIV status did seem to influence the predisposition to HCV infection, as an increase in susceptibility was observed with HIV-infected patients in Yenagoa, Nigeria. The high prevalence of HIV/HCV coinfection in PLWHA in Yenagoa receiving ART demands routine screening for viral hepatitis coinfection, intensive prevention of childhood HCV transmission, and modification of the management of HIV infection.