SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS-C VIRUS (WITH 2ND-GENERATION ELISA AND RIBA TESTS) AMONG HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS INFECTED PATIENTS

We have studied hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence, with second ge neration ELISA and RIBA tests, in 308 human immunodeficiency virus (HI V) infected patients. Mean age is 33,5 years. Global seroprevalence is 27,6% (85 patients) with ELISA, and 19,5% with RIBA; it is higher amo ng female (23/56, 41%) than among males (62/252, 24,6%), with signific ative statistical difference (p<0,02). Seroprevalence is low among hom osexual men and heterosexuals (4,6% and 11,9%), high among intra-venou s drug users, haemophiliacs and transfusion recipients (respectively 9 4%, 100% and 87,5%). RIBA test is positive for 60 patients on 82 (73,2 %), indeterminate for eleven patients (13,4%); it's often positive whe n HCV is transmitted by intra-venous route, and rarely for sexual tran smission. HCV prevalence is higher for a low CD4 count level (the diff erence is statistically not significative). We observe a chronicity ra te of 26% in our population Hepatitis B virus prevalence is the same a mong HCV positive and negative patients.