Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus among Individuals Living with HIV Infection in Ogbomoso

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus affects 5-15% of the 38 million people living with HIV globally. Individuals living with HIV are six times more likely to contract HCV than those without HIV. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been associated with liver disease including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronically-infected persons. However, in HIV/HCV co-infected individuals, increased rate of progression to cirrhosis and HCC has been reported This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of HCV infection among HIV positive individuals attending the antiretroviral clinic, Oyo state general hospital, Ogbomoso.
In this cross-sectional study, 392 individuals living with HIV were recruited for the study. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected and qualitative screening was performed to detect the presence or absence of HCV antibodies in the blood samples using Rapid Diagnostics Test (Nantong Egens Biotechnology Co., Ltd., China.) according to the kit manufacturers instruction.
HCV antibodies was not detected in any of the 392 samples, resulting in a seroprevalence rate of 0.0%. The gender distribution showed a higher percentage of female, with 71% female and 29% male participants. Marital status showed, 62.5% were married, 15.8% single, 17.9% widowed, and 3.8% divorced or separated. Additionally, 20.4% had undergone blood transfusion, 6.6% engaged in unprotected sex, and 1.5% reported intravenous drug use (IDU).
This study found no evidence of HIV/HCV co-infection. This result may be attributed to the low prevalence of high-risk behaviors, as indicated by the 0.0% incarceration rate and the minimal proportion (1.5%) of intravenous drug users. However, the exclusive use of RDTs may underestimate true prevalence. Routine confirmatory screening using PCR or ELISA and continuous public health sensitization are recommended to prevent co-infection and improve outcomes.