AYŞE SERRA ÖZEL, LÜTFİYE NİLSUN ALTUNAL, MERVE ÇAĞLAR ÖZER, ŞEVVAL ÖZEN AKSAKAL
Comprehensive Medicine - 2023;15(2):107-111
INTRODUCTION: Due to the common transmission routes, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfections are common in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH). We planned to investigate the frequency of HBV and HCV coinfection in PLWH. METHODS: In this single-center, retrospective, and observational study, 277 PLWH were evaluated between January 2016 and August 2022 in a Training and Research Hospital, in Türkiye. Results: The median age of patients was 42±13 years, and 84.8% were male. Nine patients (3.2%) were found to be positive for HBsAg, 11 (3.9%) were positive for isolated anti-HbcIgG, 65 (23.5%) were both positive for anti-HBcIgG and anti-HBs, and 102 (36.8%) were immunized with the hepatitis B vaccine (positive for Anti-HBs). Four of the HBsAg-positive patients were diagnosed with acute hepatitis B clinic during the emergency admission. HBV DNA levels were unde- tectable in admission and follow-up among the patients with isolated anti-HBcIgG positivity. Three patients were anti-HCV-positive and HCV RNA levels were negative in two patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: HIV infection accelerates the progression of hepatitis B/C-related liver disease due to immunosuppression. It is important to detect and follow-up on HBV/HCV serologic markers in these patients’ groups.
