Hepatitis E and C Co-Infection in HIV-Infected Individuals: Prevalence, Diagnosis, and Management

Abstract

Co-infection with Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a significant public health concern among people living with HIV/AIDS. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, diagnosis, and management of HEV and HCV co-infection among HIV-infected individuals accessing care at Federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 289 HIV-infected adults. Blood samples were collected and tested for anti-HEV IgG and total antibodies using rapid test kits and ELISA. HEV and HCV co-infection was diagnosed using qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The prevalence of HEV and HCV co-infection was 9.3% (27/289). The study found a significant association between HEV infection and gender (p = 0.002), with females having a higher prevalence of HEV infection (12.2%) compared to males (13.8%). The CD4+ T cell count was significantly lower among individuals co-infected with HEV and HCV compared to those without co-infection (p < 0.05). The findings of this study highlight the need for routine screening of HEV and HCV co-infection among HIV-infected individuals, particularly those with a history of blood transfusion. Effective prevention and control measures should be implemented to reduce the transmission of HEV and HCV among HIV-infected individuals.