AEGiS-13IAC: Five times higher prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative inhabitants of Addis Ababa: results from a community based survey (n = 4593).

13th International AIDS Conference

Durban, South Africa - July 9-July 14, 2000

Five times higher prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among HIV-positive compared to HIV-negative inhabitants of Addis Ababa: results from a community based survey (n = 4593).

Int Conf AIDS 2000 Jul 9-14; 13:(abstract no. WeOrA528)

Workenesh A, Cutts F, Nokes J, Fontanet A, Abebe A, Messele T, Enquselassie F, Dejene A
A. Workenesh, P.O. Box 1242, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, E-mail: afontanet@gggd.amsterdam.nl

BACKGROUND: to study the prevalence of HCV and HIV infections among Addis Ababa inhabitants.

METHODS: Serum samples from a representative household community survey (n = 4853) of the population of Addis Ababa (1994) aged 0-49 years, were analysed for anti-HCV (third generation assay) and anti-HIV antibodies (double ELISA, plus Western blot if discordant results). Samples obtained among ANC attenders (n = 1724; 1995-6) and sex workers (n = 383;1995-6) of Addis Ababa were also tested for the same antibodies.

RESULTS: In the community survey, there was an overall prevalence of 1.8% for anti-HCV, with a peak prevalence of 5.6% in the older age groups (40-44 years), and 4.9% for anti-HIV. Anti-HCV prevalence in HIV seropositive individuals was 8.6% compared to just 1.6% in HIV seronegative persons (OR = 4.9; p>0.0001). The observed association between HCV and HIV seropositivity was also found in two other population groups of Addis Ababa tested for both antibodies. In pregnant women (anti-HCV prevalence = 1.86%), the association between HCV and HIV seropositivity was significant (OR = 2.83; p = 0.003). Similarly in female sex workers (anti-HCV prevalence = 4.96%), there was a marginally significant association between HCV and HIV seropositivity (OR = 2.23; p = 0.09).

CONCLUSION: Thus in these studies the strong link between HCV and HIV seropositivity suggests that the route(s) of transmission for both infections in the various Addis Ababa populations surveyed may be similar. We have started testing a population for which we have information on sexual and 'injection' practices for both HCV and HIV antibodies, in order to identify which may be the more predominant route for the transmission. Results will be presented during the conference.

Keywords: AEGIS, Hepatitis C Antibodies, Prevalence, HIV Seropositivity, HIV Infections, Hepacivirus, Prostitution, Time, HIV Antibodies, Human, Female, Pregnancy, epidemiology, immunology, methods
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