SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C INFECTION IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTHEAST INDIA AND COINFECTION WITH HIV

Dr Abhijit Prasad; Dr Elantamilan D; Dr Clarissa Lyngdoh; Dr Mandira Ramudamu; Dr A.C. Phukan

Volume : VI, Issue : VII, July - 2017

SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C INFECTION IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN NORTHEAST INDIA AND COINFECTION WITH HIV

Dr Abhijit Prasad, Dr Elantamilan D, Dr Clarissa Lyngdoh, Dr Mandira Ramudamu, Dr A. C. Phukan

Abstract :

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. In India, HBV accounts for approximately 40 million carriers and approximately 10 million people are infected with HCV. Because of the shared modes of transmission, co–infection of HBV and HCV is not uncommon. Co–infected persons tend to have more severe liver injury, higher probability of liver cirrhosis and higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Further the presence of these infections with HIV presents unique management challenges since the optimal regimen of therapy still remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE: Study of seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C infection and their co–infection with HIV

METHOD: A retrospective analysis of patients who attended NEIGRIHMS, Shillong from January 2013 to June 2016 was done. Patients tested positive for HBV and HCV using ELISA were taken. From amongst these patients those positive for HIV were also included. All relevant data such as patient particulars, risk factors & diagnosis was recorded.

RESULT AND DISCUSSION: In the period of study, out of a total of 62,709 patients, 855(1.4%) patients tested positive for Hepatitis B, 262(0.4%) patients tested positive for Hepatitis C while 9 patients had both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C. Amongst the patient tested positive for Hepatitis B or C, 5 patients were found to be co–infected with HIV. Co–infection of Hepatitis B and HIV were found in 4 patients and 1 patient was positive for Hepatitis C and HIV. Males were predominantly affected in both Hepatitis B (67.1%) and Hepatitis C (74%). The predominant age group was 21–40 years. Co–infection with Hepatitis B and C was mostly seen amongst patients with chronic kidney disease and on dialysis. Hepatitis C was more common amongst the drug users.

CONCLUSION: The high seroprevalence of these hepatotropic viruses calls for strengthening programmes for prevention and control such as nationwide vaccination programmes for Hepatitis B. HIV coinfection more than triples the risk for liver disease, liver failure, and liver–related death from HCV. Hence it is advisable to screen all HBV and HCV infection for HIV co–infection and vice versa.

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