Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus among HIV-Infected Adults Attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and may substantially worsen outcomes in people living with HIV (PLHIV). Data on HIV/HCV co-infection in Cameroon particularly in the North West Region, are limited. Aim: This study assessed the seroprevalence of HCV, comorbidities, liver enzyme abnormalities, and possible risk factors among HIV-infected adults attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 132 HIV-positive adults. Sociodemographic, clinical, comorbidity, and behavioural data were collected using structured questionnaires. Participants were screened for anti-HCV antibodies using rapid diagnostic tests and confirmed with ELISA. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using a RANDOX MONACO automated biochemistry analyzer. Associations were assessed using appropriate statistical tests, with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Two participants out of 132 HIV-positive adults screened were positive for HCV, hence, seroprevalence of HCV among HIV-infected participants was 1.5% (95% CI: 0.3–4.6). All HIV/HCV seropositive individuals were females aged ≥ 40 years. Mean AST levels were higher in HIV/HCV seropositive participants compared with HIV mono-infected individuals (105.0±13.4 U/L vs 95.9±39.5 U/L), while mean ALT levels were comparable between groups. However, these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No comorbidities or possible risk factors showed any significant association with HIV/HCV seropositivity. Conclusions: HCV seroprevalence was low among HIV-infected adults in this setting, with no significant liver enzyme derangements or comorbidities detected. Routine HCV screening among people living with HIV and larger multicentre studies are necessary to guide policy and optimize care.