Research Article

Epidemiological Factors and Liver Enzymes in Patients Co-Infected With HIV/AIDS in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital

Mabayoje VO^1*, Akindele RA², Akinleye CA³, Muhibi MA¹, Owojuyigbe TO¹ and Fadiora SO⁴

¹Department of Haematology, Lautech Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

²Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Lautech Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun state , Nigeria.

³Department of Community Medicine, Lautech Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria.

⁴Department of Surgery, Lautech teach Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author E-mail: tunjimabs@yahoo.com

Accepted 05 December 2013

Abstract

Objective: HIV and HCV share routes of infection. Co-infection and its complications are therefore emerging as a major concern as patients on HAART have longer life expectancy. These complications have been well documented. It is necessary to determine in our environment what epidemiological factors are associated. This is expected to improve treatment protocols leading to increase quality of life and prolonged lifespan. Liver enzymes may be useful to monitor therapy. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective study. Seventy age and sex matched co-infected patients participated. Sera of the participants were subjected to anti-HCV antibody (IgG) screening using third generation ELISA kit from DIA.PRO, Italy. The epidemiological variables were determined and depicted using bar charts and tables. HIV was determined by detecting the antibodies using two different kits. Determine and Unigold. Results: There were 14 males and 56 females in the co-infected group. While there was a definite raise in Liver enzymes in the co-infected patients, only ALT was significantly raised in both sexes and not only the male sex. The majority of patients were above thirty years of age (mean 35.84). Among mono infected and co-infected patients age was the only statistically significant variable. Conclusion: It is vital to determine the HCV status of HIV positive patients at any point of entry into a particular health care facility. This would further improve the quality of life and life span of individuals as a result of improved treatment protocols.

Keywords: HIV, HCV, Co-infection, Liver enzymes