A cross-sectional study on prevalence, associated factors and genotype
distribution of HCV infection was conducted among 848 HIV-infected patients
recruited at reference centers in the Midwest Region of Brazil. The prevalence
rate of HIV-HCV coinfection was 6.9% (95% CI: 5.2 to 8.6).
In multivariable analysis, increasing age, use of illicit drugs (injection
and non-injection), a history of blood transfusion before 1994, and the
absence of a steady partnership were significant independent associated factors
for HIV-HCV coinfection. The phylogenetic analysis based on the NS5B region
revealed the presence of two major circulating genotypes of HCV: genotypes 1
(58.3%) and 3 (41.7%). The prevalence of HIV-HCV
coinfection was lower than those reported in studies conducted with HIV-infected
patients in different regions of Brazil, due to the fact that illicit drug use
is not a frequent mode of HIV transmission in this region of Brazil. Serologic
screening of HIV-patients for HCV before initiating antiretroviral treatment, a
comprehensive identification of associated factors, and the implementation of
effective harm reduction programs are highly recommended to provide useful
information for treatment and to prevent HCV coinfection in these patients.
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