Prevalence of Co-infection of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy at A Tertiary Care Centre, Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, India

HIV, HBV, and HCV can form a pretty challenging trio when they coexist. Managing co-infection is crucial for the overall health of the individual, especially considering the potential impact on the liver. Regular monitoring and appropriate medical care can make a significant difference in the outcome for co-infected patients. To ascertain the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV in individuals with HIV attending the Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) center affiliated with a tertiary care hospital in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh. Over an 8-month duration, blood samples were obtained from all the individuals visiting the ART Centre. These samples underwent screening for surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg) and antibodies against HCV (anti HCV) by using rapid card tests. Positive samples were subsequently validated through ELISA testing. Baseline CD4 counts, CD4 count after receiving ART were assessed in individuals with HIV alone and those with coinfection of HBV. HIV viral load tests were conducted in individuals with HIV infection and those with coinfection of HBV, assessing their response to ART. Statistical analysis was applied to examine the obtained results. Among the 4382 participants, the seroprevalence of HBV & HCV was 0.02%. The baseline CD4 values averaged 310 for HIV mono-infection cases and 223 for HIV/HBV co-infection cases, indicating a statistically significant distinction with a P value of 0.03. Likewise, the mean values of the CD4 counts after taking ART in individuals with HIV alone and those with coinfection of HBV were 675 and 599, respectively, with a statistically significant P value of 0.05. The study revealed a substantial enhancement in the effectiveness of ART, as indicated by HIV-1 viral load values, in both mono-infection and co-infection cases. Considering the similarity in the main transmission routes of HIV, HBV, and HCV, it is anticipated that hepatotropic viruses would be present in individuals with HIV infection.