Investigation of Anti-HCV, Anti-HIV, and Anti-HAV IgG Seroprevalence in HBsAg-positive Patients

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate serologic markers anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), anti-hepatitis A virus immunoglobulin G (anti-HAV IgG), anti-human immunodeficiency virus antibody (anti-HIV)] associated with HCV, HAV, and HIV in individuals with hepatitis B virus infection, with a view to contributing to the development of preventive strategies for disease control. Materials and Methods: The study population comprised hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive adult patients admitted to the hospital between January 2015 and January 2024. Patients with complete anti-HCV, anti-HIV, and anti-HAV IgG tests were included in the study. The results were then subjected to retrospective analysis. Results identified as borderline and reactive in the anti-HIV test were referred to the National HIV-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome Confirmatory Reference Centre for confirmation by additional testing. Results: In the present study, 733 patients were HBsAg-positive. Among these patients, anti-HAV IgG was detected in 23.1% (170/733), anti-HCV in 0.81% (6/733), and anti-HIV in 0.13% (1/733). Of the 733 patients who tested positive for HBsAg, 53% were male and 47% were female. The mean age of the cohort was found to be 50.49 (+/- 14.32) years. The mean age of patients who tested positive for anti-HAV IgG was found to be 49.42 (+/- 14.14) years. Among anti-HAV IgG positive patients, 89 (52.4%) were male and 81 (47.6%) were female. Conclusion: HAV seroprevalence should be investigated in HBsAgpositive patients due to the risk of a more severe HAV infection. Anti-HCV and anti-HIV tests should also be evaluated in HBsAgpositive patients because they have common transmission routes and increase mortality and morbidity. Guidelines recommend hepatitis A vaccination in seronegative cases and especially in the presence of chronic liver disease such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and alcoholic hepatitis. The findings of our study will contribute to regional data. Collecting seropositivity data from each center will significantly help understand the real prevalence in our country.