Prevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis C and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection among Children in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), are major public health challenges in the developing world especially sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis C virus infection among children infected with HIV. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Paediatric HIV Clinic, UNTH, Enugu between July and December 2009. Antibodies to HCV were analyzed by newer generation rapid chromatographic immunoassay method using the Chromatest one step HCV test kit. The data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15 statistical software. The chi squared test was used to test for significant association of categorical variables. A p-value of <0.05 was accepted as significant. Results: One hundred and eighteen children HIV-infected children, aged between eighteen months to fifteen years were included in the data analysis. Eight of the HIV infected subjects were positive for HCV, giving an HIV-HCV co-infection prevalence of 6.8%. Co-infection was more prevalent among males and in those in age group 11-15 years. Blood transfusion, irrespective of frequency (p<0.015), and injections for immunization (p<0.049) were the significant risk factors noted Conclusion: There is need for strengthening of existing preventive strategies against HCV and HIV infections such as screening of donor blood and safe injection practices in our locality.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses and risk factors in HIV infected children at the felgehiwot referral hospital, Ethiopia

“…The seroprevalence of HCV in this study (5.5%) conforms to the estimated prevalence of HCV in Africa (5.3%), which is the highest in the world [ 26 ]. It is also comparable with reports from Nigeria (6.8%) [ 27 ]. Comparison was not possible in Ethiopian context owing to lack of HCV seroprevalence data in HIV infected children.…”

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected Patients Accessing Healthcare in Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, Nigeria

“…Similar studies from other countries recorded 4.6% in Brazil [1], 10.3% in Kenya [7] and 1.42% in Pakistan among pregnant women [13]. The high prevalence recorded in the study especially with no obvious efficient risk factor as reported by other researchers might be connected with the fact that the transmission efficiency is determined by the amount of virus in a body fluid and the type and extent of the contact [14]. Unfortunately unlike HBV, HCV does not have vaccine yet.…”

Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus in HIV seropositive children in Lagos, Nigeria

“…of HCV +ve experienced by this gender. Eze et al (2014) in Enugu also observed this but adduced it to the preferential care of the male child which may have exposed them to more risks of acquiring HCV as they are given both orthodox and non-orthodox treatment when sick. The significant risk factors for HCV positivity found among the studied cohort were blood transfusion.…”