HEPATITIS D VIRUS INFECTION AMONG HIV-HBV CO-INFECTED PATIENTS IN KERMANSHAH, WEST OF IRAN

Abstract

Background and Aims: There are limited data on the prevalence of viral hepatitis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals. Comorbid illnesses in patients infected with HIV are of great interest due to their association with poor outcomes and failure of antiretroviral therapy. This study evaluated the prevalence of coinfection by HIV and viral hepatitis D in an endemic area for HIV and hepatitis B in Kermanshah. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in which serological markers for hepatitis B and D viruses were tested in a consecutive sample of all patients referred for treatment of HIV or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Important variables such as age, gender, origin and exposure category were obtained from existing medical records and from the sexually transmitted diseases and AIDS surveillance database. Results: Among the 888 subjects studied, the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B carriers was 6.4%; the rate of past infection was 40.2%. The presence of hepatitis B was associated with birth in hyperendemic areas of Kermanshah, male sex and illicit drug abuse. The prevalence of hepatitis B, C and D among patients with HIV or AIDS in Kermanshah was lower than that observed elsewhere and is probably associated with the local epidemiology of these viruses and the degree of overlap of their shared risk factors. Conclusions: The prevalence rate for HIV and co-infection with hepatitis D virus found in this study was much lower than those reported elsewhere. An opportunity presents itself to evaluate the prevention of hepatitis D and C through