Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in Tuberculosis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Infection with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) increases the hepatotoxicity of anti-tuberculosis drugs. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the prevalence of HCV infection in patients with tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: PubMed/MEDLINE, ISI/Web of Sciences, CINAHL, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Scopus were searched from January 2000 to March 2018. The overall prevalence of HCV in patients with TB was calculated using the random-effect model with 95% confidence interval (CI). To evaluate heterogeneity, I-2 test was used. Egger's regression test was utilized to check publication bias. RESULTS: Twenty-one articles were selected for the final analysis based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. A total of 15,542 patients with TB participated in the studies. The overall prevalence of HCV infection in patients with TB was 7% [95% CI: 6-9]. Subgroup analysis revealed that diagnostic test (P=0.0039), geographical background (P=0.0076) and gender distribution (P=0.0672) were statistically significant moderators. Men had a higher risk for HCV than women (Odds Ratio, OR=2.02; 95% CI: 1.28-3.18). CONCLUSION: The results of this study highlighted the importance of screening HCV in TB patients. Knowing whether HCV is present or not in these patients can be helpful in effectively treating them.