Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Co-infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasing due to similar transmission pathways. Chronic HCV infection is the most common complication among HIV-infected individuals. Information on the frequency of HCV infection on Iranian HIV-infected individuals is scarce. The aim of this study was the detection of HCV prevalence and genotypes among HIV-infected people in Sanandaj, Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, whole blood samples were taken from 185 HIV positive individuals referring to Consultation Center for Behavioral Diseases, Sanandaj, Iran. The ELISA test was done on samples for anti-HCV antibodies. RNA was extracted from only anti-HCV antibody positive samples. An RT-PCR test was conducted to detect HCV RNA. Genotypes of HCV were detected by melting curve analysis by specific primers and probes. Test results and demographic information were analyzed by SPSS software. RESULTS: The mean age of individuals was 39.3 ± 9.4 years. Out of 185 individuals 99 (53.5%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies. Out of 99 antibody positive individuals, 44 had HCV RNA. Among 44 RNA positive individuals, genotypes and subtypes of HCV were as 26 (59.1%) 1a, 17 (38.6%) 3a and one (2.2%) 4. There was a significant association between anti-HCV antibody and demographic variables including, age, gender, occupation, and CD4+ T-cell count (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The present study reveals that HIV/HCV co-infection is high in the study population. It is recommended similar studies should be done in other HIV infected populations for management of HIV/HCV co-infection.