AEGiS-15IAC: Seroepidemiology of HCV-HIV co-infection in Syria.

15th International AIDS Conference


Bangkok, Thailand - July 11-16, 2004

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Seroepidemiology of HCV-HIV co-infection in Syria.

Int Conf AIDS 2004 Jul 11-16; 15:(abstract no. B10182)

Adwan ZS
Damascus, Swaida, Syrian Arab Republic

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV), recognized since 1989, is a major health problem worldwide. Infection with hepatitis C virus is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease. Syria is a developing country with low prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. HCV -HIV coinfection remains a frequent cause of morbidity in developed countries. Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of HCV infection in a cohort of HIV tunisian patients, and to assess risk factors of HCV infection in a developing country

METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in the department of infectious diseases of Damascus hospital in Syria between January 1, 1997 and December 20, 2002. All the patients who are positive for HIV were tested for HCV antibody by ELISA (3rd generation) and RIBA. Age, sexsocioeconomic status, HIV transmission category and most recent CD4 count were collected.

RESULTS: A total of 225 patients were reported. Of these, 186 were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 35 years. 80 patients (43%) have antibodies against HCV. 77 patients (96,3%) were male; among these patients, 67 (83,7%) were intravenous drug users. Sexual transmission of HIV is seen in 9 patients (11,3%) and hemophilia was present in 4 patients (5%). Diagnosis of coinfection was made in 42,5% in patients at CDC stage C disease ; 50 patients (63,3 %) had AIDS. 40 patients (50%) are still followed and were under HAART. 20 patients (25%) died, and no informations are available for 20 patients.

CONCLUSION: In our experience, the prevalence of HCV in HIV infected patients is high. Since HAART is now available in our country, patients with coinfection should also be considered for HCV treatment in developing countries.

Keywords: AEGIS, HIV Infections, Hepacivirus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Prevalence, Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active, HIV Seropositivity, Risk Factors, Substance Abuse, Intravenous, CD4 Lymphocyte Count, Hepatitis C Antibodies, Hemophilia A, Retrospective Studies, Syria, Humans, Male, immunology

040711
B10182

Copyright © 2004 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.