Author/Authors :
COHAN, N. shiraz university of medical sciences - HEMATOLOGY RESEARCH CENTER, شيراز, ايران , ZANDIEH, T. Research center of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, ايران , SAMIEI, SH. Research center of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, ايران , ATAIE, Z. Research center of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, ايران , KAVARI, M. Research center of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization, ايران , `
Abstract :
Background: HBY and HCY coinfection is common, particularly in endemic areas and among high risk groups. In this study we have investigated the prevalence of HBY/HCY coinfection and compared the biochemical and serological characteristics of such patients compare with the patients having hepatitis C infection alone. Methods: We studied 207 patients diagnosed as having chronic hepatitis C, with HCYAb and HCY-RNA, to detect HBsAg, HBcAb and HBY-DNA. HBsAg and HBcAb were detected by commercially available ELISA kits. HBY-DNA was evaluated using PCR methods and liver enzymes (ALT and AST) were measured by automated instruments. Results: Twenty three of the 207 patients (Il.l Yo) were positive for HBY-DNA (coinfection). Of these 23 patients, 17 were HBsAg negative. Twenty six of the HCY infected patients were HBcAb positive of whom 21 had coinfection. This finding showed the significant prevalence of coinfection that many of these subjects may not be found by routine serological methods. Biochemical parameters showed no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion: Coinfection of HBY and HCY occurs frequently. Detection of this form of infection can significantly affect the management and the treatment of these patients.
