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Abstract
Objective: Chronic hepatitis is a common cause of liver-related morbidity due to hepatotropic viruses, such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). HBV/HCV coinfection leads to more severe liver diseases and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, hepatitis B virus reactivation has been reported after treatment for chronic hepatitis C in patients with HBV/HCV coinfection. In our study, we aimed to detect the prevalence of HBV/HCV coinfection in anti-HCV-positive samples, retrospectively.
Methods: A total of 800 anti-HCV-positive samples were included in the study. Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay for anti-HCV and HBsAg, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for HBV DNA and HCV RNA were used.
Results: HBsAg, which indicates HBV infection, was found to be positive in 19 (2.4%) of 800 anti-HCV-positive samples. Out of 19 HBsAg-positive samples, 9 (47%) were simultaneously positive for both HBV DNA and HCV RNA.
Conclusions: As HBV and HCV share common routes of transmission, coinfections can be encountered. Our results suggest that the prevalence of HBV/HCV coinfection was not uncommon in anti-HCV-positive samples. Thus, we suggest that patients with chronic HCV infection should also be screened for HBV infection to determine the prognosis and prevent HBV reactivation during antiviral therapy.
Cite this article as: Fidan I, Çuhadar T, Koç Z, Karakuş R. [Detection of the prevalence of HBV/HCV coinfection in anti-HCV-positive samples]. Klimik Derg. 2018; 31(1): 16-9. Turkish.