Human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus co-infection in Burundi

Aim: To estimate the prevalence of the co-infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the hepatitis C virus (HCV) from a patients' representative sample of patients infected by the HIV. Methods: Retrospective study over 5 years (2004-2009) carried out in the "Turiho Center" of the National Association of Support for HIV-Seropositive and AIDS-patients. We included patients HIV positive who had HCV antibodies dosed and results clearly recorded in the medical files. Results: A total of 1053 patients had HCVantibodies dosage (722 were females, 331were males). Among the 1053 patients, the co-infection was found at 112 patients that is to say the prevalence rate of 10,6% CI95 % = [0,09; 0,13]. The middle age of the co-infected patients was 48 years. In the feminine population, the rate of co-infection was 9,4% IC95%= [0,07; 0,12], and among men, it was 13,2% IC95%= [0,10; 0,17]. No significant difference: X-2 = 2.51, p = 0,15 Conclusion: This high co-infection prevalence strengthens the recommendation of a systematic screening of the HCV in patients infected by the HIV.