ANTI-HCV-POSITIVE CIRRHOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH SCHISTOSOMIASIS

Hepatosplenic schistosomiasis is occasionally associated with cirrhosi s and progressive hepatic decompensation. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus in p atients with schistosomiasis and cirrhosis. The prevalence of anti-HCV was studied in 12 consecutive cases of schistosomiasis associated wit h biopsy proven cirrhosis. All patients had a past history of schistos omiasis and high titers of schistosomal antibodies in serum (1:32 to 1 :4096). Five of the 12 patients had hepatic catheterization and were f ound to have sinusoidal involvement with corrected sinusoidal pressure s ranging from 19 to 23 mm Hg. Four had ascites, six had pedal edema, and eight had peripheral signs of chronic liver disease in the form of palmar erythema, spider nevi, and/or gynecomastia. Ten of the 12 case s (83%) were repeatedly positive for anti-HCV/ELISA. These results sug gest that when patients with schistosomiasis develop cirrhosis, associ ated hepatitis C virus infection should be suspected.