dc.description.abstract |
Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) sero-discordant couples are at risk of
transmitting HIV, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) to each other.
Hepatitis C Virus and Hepatitis B Virus are common among HIV-infected persons in
Africa. There are many HIV sero-discordant couples in Kenya who are at risk of
transmitting to each other STIs including HIV, HCV and HBV due to shared modes of
transmission. Although infection with HCV and HBV is common among HIV-infected
persons, their prevalence and risk factors and relationship to HIV infection are not well
characterized among HIV-discordant couples in Kenya. This cross-sectional study
evaluated the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection and associated risk factors among
270 heterosexual HIV sero-discordant couples. Written informed consent was obtained
prior to enrollment of study subjects. Serum samples and data from questionnaires at
baseline were obtained from the Phase III randomized placebo-controlled trial of
acyclovir for Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) suppression to prevent HIV transmission
ssssamong HIV sero-discordant couples site in Kisumu County. Hepatitis B surface
antibody and anti-HCV antibody testing was conducted using third generation HBV and
HCV Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs). The serum samples were
analyzed for Hepatitis B surface antigen, antibodies to Hepatitis B core antigen and
HCV Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. STATA statistical software was used for
analyzing the data. Chi-square was used to assess the association among categorical
variables while independent t test was to assess the difference in groups with continuous
outcome. The prevalence of HBV and HCV was not associated with age, gender,
income, education, number of children or years lived together and use of contraception.
Among the HIV-1 discordant couples studied, 397 (74.9%) of the couples did not have
HBV or HCV infection, 88 (16.6%) had HCV mono-infection, 45 (8.5%) had HBV
mono-infection and 9 (1.7%) had HCV/HBV/HIV co-infection. Hepatitis C Virus
prevalence was associated with the HIV-1 infection. Since the prevalence of HBV was
above that of the general population such as blood donors, HBV prevention measures
should be encouraged among HIV-1 sero-discordant couples to reduce HBV
transmission rates among couples. All HIV-1 positive patients should be tested for both
HBV and HCV, since HIV positive patients are likely to have HBV or HCV coinfection. |
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