AEGiS-13IAC: Epidemiological study of hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HIV coinfection in Brazil.

13th International AIDS Conference

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

Epidemiological study of hepatitis C virus (HCV)/HIV coinfection in Brazil.

Int Conf AIDS 2000 Jul 9-14; 13:(abstract no. WeOrA531)

Carmo RA, Lima AA, Andrade CA, Oliveira JG, Oliveira MS, Santi LQ, Bicalho HN, Silva SM
R.A. Carmo, Hemominas Foudation, Rua Horta Barbosa, 1037., Belo Horizonte - MG, Brazil, 31140-260, Brazil, Tel.: +55 31 9955 1846, Fax: +55 31 383 8526, E-mail: ricarmo@net.em.com.br

BACKGROUND: HCV infection has been described frequently among HIV patients, specially those infected by the parenteral route. In addition, this coinfection has been associated with higher risk of developing liver failure and AIDS. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical and epidemiological factors associated with the HCV/HIV coinfection in patients in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

METHODS: Between Dec 1995 and Jan 1998, 650 HIV patients followed at Eduardo de Menezes Hospital, Belo Horizonte, Brazil, were submitted to a serological screening for HCV infection (anti-HCV-ELISA-3.0). Clinical evaluation, risk factors associated with the viral transmissions and serological status for other sexual/parenteral transmissible infections (HBV, HTLV-I/II, T.pallidum, and T. cruzi) were evaluated.

RESULTS: The HCV/HIV coinfection was detected in 96 patients (14.8%). The positive anti-HCV status was more associated with male sex (p>0.001), AIDS (0.028), injection drug use (p>0.001), blood transfusion (p = 0.020) and hemophilia (p>0.001). Although there was no association between HCV infection and sexual exposure (p = 0.615) in this group, there was significant association with homosexual/bisexual activity (p>0.001). In relation to the other infections, there were association with past (total-anti-HBc) HBV infection (p = 0.001), HTLV-I/II infection (p>0.001) and syphilis (p = 0.044). There were no association with active (HBsAg) HBV infection (p = 0.537) and T. cruzi infection (p = 0.618).

CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of HCV coinfection and its association with AIDS has becoming it a serious concern in Brazilian HIV patients. Then, HCV infection must be investigated in all HIV patients, specially those with parenteral exposures.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV, HIV Infections, Hepacivirus, Hepatitis C Antibodies, HIV Seropositivity, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Hepatitis B Antibodies, Prevalence, Risk Factors, Epidemiologic Studies, HIV Seroprevalence, Seroepidemiologic Studies, Brazil, Male, Human, immunology
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