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.
Citation
Master Of Science In Tropical And Infectious DiseasesPublisher
University of Nairobi