MOLECULAR IDENTIFICATION OF HCV GENOTYPES AMONG INJECTING DRUG USERS HAVING HCV and HIV CO-INFECTION

Abstract

Co-infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is common in Injecting drug users (IDUs). The aim of this study was the molecular identification of HCV genotypes in IDUs having HC/HIV co-infection in Peshawar. A cohort cross-sectional study was conducted in Nai Zindagi NGO from 2020 to 2022. A sample of 350 IDUs including 309 males, 23 females, 09 children, and 09 transgender were enrolled. Suspected age was 34 years. Screening of HIV and HCV infection was performed through ICT and RT-PCR. For genotype determination, a specific SACACE real-time PCR kit was used. Out of a total of 350 patients, 204 were HCV/HIV co-infected. According to bivariate analysis, there is statistically moderate positive r=522 between viral load and HCV/HIV co-infection (p=0.000). It is concluded that the prevalence of HCV/HIV co-infection was 44.28% in IDUs with the prevalent genotype 3a (51.1%). Viral load of males was higher than females. To overcome the burden of HCV/HIV co-infection large-scale, multicentre, and multistate studies should be conducted across Pakistan and preventive measures should be taken to reduce the use of syringes, razors, tattooing, sex workers, and blood transfusion.

Cystic Fibrosis: Understanding Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator Mutation Classification and Modulator Therapies

“…This imbalance causes alterations in mucus composition, and eventually leads to organ dysfunction and eventual death [ 3 ]. Although the most common clinical manifestation of CF is progressive lung disease, its clinical manifestations are quite widespread, including bronchiectasis, respiratory airway infections, pancreatic insufficiency, salty sweat, reproductive complications, and obstruction of the intestines [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. CF occurs in mild, moderate, and severe forms, depending on the type of mutation.…”