Abstract

Infections of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are among the grave health concerns confronting global public health. These infections spread via similar routes (e.g. parenteral, sexual and vertical); leading to the anticipation of high prevalence rates of HBV and HCV co-infections among HIV infected patients. HBV and HCV co-infections in HIV-positive patients lead to severe liver disease by means of rapid progression to hepatocellular carcinoma and severe chronic hepatitis. Consequently, the co-infection of these viruses is strongly associated with reduced survival of HIV patients. Various studies have been conducted among Iranian HIV-positive patients to identify HBV/HIV, HCV/HIV and HBV/HCV/HIV co-infection prevalence rates and their correlations. These surveys have been conducted in many cities and a variety of settings throughout the country. These studies have shown that the alarming high rates of HBV/HCV co-infection among HIV patients highlight the need for a timely and systematic assessment of these patients. It is evident that early diagnosis and early start of appropriate treatments could increase the length of life for co-infected HIV patients; therefore, comprehensive identification of risk factors and underlying conditions, as well as HIV treatment, are highly recommended to prevent HBV/HCV co-infection among HIV-positive patients.

Key words: HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, co- infection, prevalence, correlation, Iran.