prevalence of hbv/hcv infections in hiv-positive patients in northern iran

Introduction: human immunodeficiency virus (hiv) infection increases the risk of infection with other pathogens, including hepatitis b virus (hbv) and hepatitis c virus (hcv). a crucial aspect of hiv prevention and treatment programs is knowledge of the prevalence of co-infection of hiv and hbv and/or hcv. this study sought to determine hbv and hcv co-infection in hiv-positive patients in northern iran. materials and methods: blood samples were collected from 83 hiv-positive patients whose infection was previously confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction in the hiv center in the north of iran. a structured questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data from participants. samples were screened for hepatitis b surface antigen and anti-hcv antibody. all non-reactive samples were recorded as negative. results: the 83 patients comprised 50 (60%) males and 33 (40%) females. twenty eight (33%) and 15 (18%) subjects were positive for hcv antibody and hepatitis b surface antigen, respectively. seven (8%) of subjects were co-infected with all three viruses. conclusion: seroprevalence of hcv and hiv co-infection was high and was strongly related to mutual acquisition.