HIV and viral hepatitis co-infection in pregnancy: an epidemiological, clinical and diagnostic review

Abstract

Abstract. Even though the survival of the population infected with HIV has been increased due to the intensification of antiretroviral therapy, co-infection with hepatitis B or hepatitis C has attracted the attention of doctors and other health professionals regarding the increased incidence of chronic complications resulting from viral hepatitis in HIV-infected population, which differs from that with other opportunistic diseases. Women coinfected with these viruses have an increased risk of complications during pregnancy, and the vertical transmission of these infections cause significant morbidity and mortality among children. This study aimed to investigate the risks of co-infection with HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C during pregnancy, through a literature review of the last ten years, using the databases LILACS, MEDLINE and SCIELO, which make up the Virtual Health Library. A total of 106 articles were found, by searching in these databases, 46 of which were pre-selected to be read in full, resulting in 15 approved articles. It was noted that most of the accepted studies were carried out in countries of sub-Saharan Africa and Europe, followed by Brazil and the United States. The presence of co-infections made the infection worse and led to disease progression, both in the mother and in the child, compared to infection with only one of these viruses. Therefore, early diagnosis and prevention and treatment are essential to reduce and prevent the vertical transmission of these viruses.