The Effect of Co-infection of HIV and Hepatotropic Viruses on Selected Biochemical and Haematological Markers of Patients in Northeastern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: As deaths caused by HIV declines with the use of haart, liver disease associated with co-infection of HIV with hepatotropic viruses has become an increasing cause of morbidity and mortality. Aim: To assess the effect of HIV-mono and co-infections with hepatotropic viruses on haematological and biochemical markers of the patients. Methodology: 109 HIV patients from tertiary health facilities in northeastern Nigeria were initial screened with Immuno chromatographic kit and confirmed by western blot prospectively and consecutively. However, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies were detected on the HIV positive patients by ELISA. Blood donors served as control. The study was conducted between January and October 2012. Results: Of the HIV patients 12.8% and 4.6% had HBV and HCV antibodies respectively. The prevalence rate of HBV infection among males was 12.8% while females had 12.9% but lower rates of HCV were obtained in both males (5.1%) and females (3.3%). However, HIV mono-infections had higher mean baseline values for haemogblobin (Hb), CD4 and platelet counts, protein C (PC) and protein S (PS) in comparison with HIV/ HBV/HCV co-infections (P<0.05). In addition, Prothrombin time and partial thromboplastin time were lower in HIV mono- infection in contrast to co-infections (P<0.05). Similarly, Serum liver enzymes such as Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alanine transaminase (ALT), Akaline Phosphatase (ALP) and creatinine mean values were lower in HIV mono-infection compared with HIV/HBV or HIV/HCV co-infection (P<0.05). Total white blood cell count (Wbc), total cholesterol (Tch), Randon blood sugar (RBS) and potassium (K+) were not significantly different (P>0.05) in both groups. *Tel.: +254734579484, E-mail: marycelinb@yahoo.com Conclusion: Co-infections of HIV and hepatotropic viruses do occur. Haematological and biochemical parameters serve as pointers for early detection of liver disease in HIV patients. The development of novel therapeutic approaches to impede co-infection of HIV and hepatotropic viruses is encouraged.