Influence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus Infections and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Therapy on Liver Status of Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are emerging among Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) patients.

Aim: To determine the impact of the presence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viral infections as well HIV treatment on the liver of patients with HBV, HCV and HIV co-infections.

Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional study on 115 HIV patients that were subdivided into two groups; group A included 67 patients who had HIV mono-infection and group B included 48 patients who had HIV plus HBV, HIV plus HCV or HIV plus both.

Results: 48 HIV patients (41.7%) had HBV and/or HCV infections. 4 patients (3.5%) were positive for HBV Surface Antigen (HBsAg), 37 patients (32.2%) were positive for HCV Anti-body (Anti-HCV Ab) and 7 patients (6.1%) were positive for both. HIV treatment caused significant impairment of liver functions especially in group B patients. CD4+ T Lymphocytes significantly increased after HIV therapy in group A versus group B.

Conclusion: HIV may accelerate liver damage caused by HBV and HCV. HIV therapy carries a potential risk for hepatotoxicity.