Seroprevalence of HBV/HCV coinfection among patients with HCV screened during the national campaign for HCV eradication in Egypt

Background and study aims: Little is known about the true prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV). This multicenter nationwide study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of HBV among Egyptian patients with HCV and its possible risk factors. Patients and methods: This is a cross-sectional, multicenter, nationwide study. Data were extracted from the National Network of Viral Hepatitis Treatment Centers database. Baseline data of patients proved to be viremic during the national campaign for HCV eradication (October 2018-April 2019) were retrieved. Data included demographics, laboratory tests (HBsAg, CBC, liver biochemical profile, creatinine, AFP, HbA1c, and viral load), FIB-4 score calculation, and abdominal ultrasound results. Results: Results of 297,965 patients showed that HBsAg was positive in 2,347 (0.8%) patients. Patients with HBV/ HCV were 57% females and had a mean age of 51 +/- 13 years. Patients with positive HBsAg showed significantly more tobacco consumption, intravenous drug abuse, hypertension, and diabetes. No significant difference was noted in HCV viremia between patients with HCV and those with HBV/HCV. Only 14% of patients with HBV/ HCV had cirrhosis compared with the 9% of those with HCV; two of them had HCC. Conclusion: Although Egypt has a heavy HCV burden, the overall prevalence of HBV is low among patients with HCV infection. Comorbid conditions seem to favor coinfection.