Seroprevalence of hepatitis c among HIV infected adult patients attending comprehensive care center at kenyatta national hospital

Abstract

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has emerged as the second major viral infection after human immunodeficiency virus within the past two decades and co infection with HIV represents a major problem, with a significant impact in terms of morbidity and mortality associated with liver disease. Routine screening for hepatitis C is not done as part of comprehensive provision of care and treatment for HIV/AIDS. Objective The study aimed at assessing the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus infection and associated risk factors amongst HIV/AIDS adult patients attending comprehensive care center at Kenyatta National Hospital. Methodology This was a hospital based cross sectional study conducted among HIV/AIDS patients attending comprehensive care center at Kenyatta National Hospital, from July to August 2014 involving 240 participants who were 18 years and above. Testing for antibodies against HCV was done using SD-Bioline rapid diagnostic test kits and risk for HCV acquisition was assessed using a researcher administered data collection sheet, which also looked at some social demographic features. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 16 statistical software xii Results The Prevalence of HCV among Adult HIV/AIDS was 0%.Among risk factors assessed, sexually transmitted infections accounted for 20.4% of all risk factors. None of the participants had a history of intravenous drug use. Conclusion The sole determinant of HCV infection among adult HIV/AIDS patients is the route by which HIV is acquired, with intravenous drug use accounting for the majority of HCV infection. Sexual transmission accounts for low risk of HCV acquisition. Screening for HCV infection among HIV/AIDS patients should take into account the presence of possible risk factors contributing to HCV acquisition.