The prevalence of dual human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus (HIV/HCV) infection in asymptomatic pregnant women in Benin City, Nigeria.
Concerted efforts have been made to combat HIV infection in Nigerian. By contrast, much less attention has been paid to hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection. These viruses have similar immuno-epidemiology. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HCV/HIV dual infection among 269 antenatal attendees at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in southern Nigeria. The study was prospective and cross-sectional and consisted of the analysis of the sera of the participants for anti-HCV and HIV antibodies using ELISA. The result showed that 1.86% samples were HCV antibodies positive while 8.30% were seropositive for HIV-1 antibodies. There were no cases of dual infections. The HIV positive women and their babies had antiretroviral therapy. We conclude that dual HCV/HIV infection in pregnancy in Nigeria may be uncommon but suggest multicenter studies to determine the national prevalence while initiating strategies for their prevention.
Onakewhor
J U E
JU
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. jonakewhor@yahoo.com
Okonofua
F E
FE
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000276:immunology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000097:blood; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000821:virology; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000821:virology; D011295:Prenatal Care; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D000914:Antibodies, Viral