Prevalence of HBsAg and Anti-HCV among HIV-infected Injecting Drug Users in the Northern Region of Thailand

Abstract

         In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported the burden of HIV- Anti-HCV co-infection that was 2.75 million of whom 1.3 million are Injecting Drug Users (IDUs). As for HIV- HBsAg co-infection estimated around 2.6 million. The burden of these co-infections is greatest in the African and South East Asia Regions. The northern region of Thailand is the top of high prevalence HIV infection. It is bloodborne viruses transmitted primarily through sexual contact and injection drug use. Moreover, the transmission routes are the same at risk for Hepatitis B Virus Infection (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C Virus Infection (Anti-HCV). This study was aimed to assess the situation and prevalence of HBsAg and Anti-HCV co-infection with HIV among IDUs. The study was carried on in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Phayao ProvinceThe cross-sectional study design was completely collected through questionnaire and blood sample with used standard respondent-driven sampling technique (SRD). The prevalence of HBsAg and Anti-HCV among HIV patients with IDUs in 2015 were found 13.4%, 77.6% of 67 cases respectively. The HIV co-infection was found 9% (male 74.3%). There was only 17.9% of received hepatitis treatment. This study may guide the planning to treat HBsAg and Anti-HCV among HIV patients with IDUs and form or shape a surveillance program to prevent all in case of patient and others. It can then be expected that the vaccine developing as the opportunity to be successful.