New publication INTERACT project

High seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infection in HIV-infected adults in Kigali, Rwanda.

HBV and HCV co-infection(s) in HIV patients has negative impact on the outcome of hepatitis and complicates the management of HIV infection. This paper addresses the prevalence and incidence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among HIV-1 infected patients starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Kigali, Rwanda.

HBV and HCV status were assessed at baseline and Month 12 in a prospective cohort study of HIV-infected patients in Kigali, Rwanda: 104 men and 114 women initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) at baseline, and 200 women not yet eligible for ART.

The authors discuss the outcomes of hepatitis B and C outcomes in HIV infected patients as well as the impact of lamivudine monotherapy in HBV/HIV co- infected patients. This study highlights the need of a regular HBV screening to ensure that HIV-HBV co-infected patients receiving an HBV-active ART regimen improvement of access to HBV vaccination and HCV treatment be considered in the Rwandan national care and treatment guidelines as well as the need for further investigation of the specificity of HCV antibody assays in African settings.

 

High Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV Infection in HIV-Infected Adults in Kigali.
Authored by: Rwanda. Rusine J, Ondoa P, Asiimwe-Kateera B, Boer KR, Uwimana JM, Mukabayire O, Zaaijer H, Mugabekazi J, Reiss P, van de Wijgert JH. 

In: PLoS One. 2013 May 22;8(5):e63303

Link to: Abstract

Link to: PDF