Biochemical and Hematological Impact of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infected Persons on Antiretroviral Drugs (ARDs) in Nigeria

Introduction: Biochemical and hematological abnormalities are among most common clinico-pathological manifestations of HIV/AIDS infected persons on antiretroviral drugs (ARDs). Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection are known to influence progression and management of HIV infection. Data are limited regarding the impact of ARDs on HIV/HCV co-infected persons in Nigeria. Hence, this study evaluated the biochemical and hematological impact of HCV on prognosis of HIV persons taking ARDs. Materials and Methods: 2,322 HIV infected persons were screened for HCV. One hundred and nine were co-infected with HCV; and were cross-sectional monitored on ARDs for fifteen months at hospitals in North Central Nigeria for changes in clinical profiles. The determination of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Packed cell volume (PCV) and White blood cells count (WBC) estimations were reviewed every 3 months for each of the person using Reflotron plus machine and hematological analyzer according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: The results showed an increase in both HIV mono-infected and co-infected patients, with raised in AST from 18.46±0.73 to 34.32±0.6053U/l, ALT from 19.37±0.6804 to 34.87±0.5637U/l, PCV from 34.20±0.2998 to 34.89±0.4895% and WBC from 3.50x109±0.0816 to 6.67x109±0.1204 cells/L and AST from 17.35±0.1542 to 34.49±0.0981U/l, ALT from 17.67±0.1412 to 34.80±0915U/l, PCV from 36.74±0.2902 to 38.37±0.4399% and WBC from 3.90x109±0.0251 to 6.19x109±0.0178 cells/L. Conclusion: It was found that PCV and WBC count values were positively affected despite HCV replication and AST and ALT enzyme levels for both HIV-mono and co-infected persons were slightly elevated. Therefore, efforts addressing viral hepatitis co-infections at the early stage of ARDs initiation under qualified clinician should be of paramount important.