A cross-sectional study on co-infection of hepatitis B and hepatitis C among people living with HIV/AIDS from a tertiary care hospital of Central India

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are prevalent throughout the world. HIV infection increases the risk of HBV and HCV liver disease especially when HIV-associated immunodeficiency progresses. Aims and Objectives: This study was carried out with the objectives as follows: Estimation of the prevalence of HIV- Hepatitis co-infection, determine CD4+T lymphocyte count in co-infected patients, identify most common opportunistic infections in HIV – Hepatitis co- infection. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based, prospective, cross-sectional, and observational study was carried among people with confirmed HIV infection. HIV antibody, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and HCV antibody tests were done in all patients visiting to integrated counseling and testing center. HIV, HBV, and HCV viral load were done in all serologically confirmed patients. In HBsAg positive patients various markers for hepatitis such as hepatitis B envelop antigen (HBeAg), anti-hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), and anti-hepatitis B envelop antibody were also done. Results: Out of 357 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) patients 15/357 (4.20%) were co-infected with HBV, 03/357 (0.84%) were co-infected with HCV. The overall seroprevalence of Hepatitis virus (HBV+HCV) in PLHA patients was found to be 5.04% (18/357). CD4+T lymphocyte count 2000 IU/mL. All hepatitis B co-infected patients were positive for HBcAb test; HBeAg was positive in 40% (n=06). All HBeAg positive were having viral load >2000 IU/mL. Conclusion: HIV-infected patients are more prone to hepatitis associated liver diseases and exposure to the HBV infection than the general population

Late Reporting Among Newly Registered Patients for Anti-Retroviral Therapy in A Central District Ujjain, India

Introduction: Current trends in HIV/AIDS epidemic demand quality and sustainable programs to provide universal access to antiretroviral therapy (ART). The inherent disparities in population subgroups result in changing profiles of ART beneficiaries which are needed to account for with reference to regional findings. Present study aims to explore the socio demographic and clinical profile of the patients reporting at an ART central in central India. Methods: Facility based cross sectional study at an ART center in a tertiary care hospital in Ujjain district of central India. The study included all newly registered people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) over 18 years of age, during one year period. Results: The study reports findings of 297 participants. Majority of the patients belonged to poorer socioeconomic strata. The representation of women and people from rural areas was lesser than expected. One third PLHA came late in the course of disease (stage III and IV). The average haemoglobin level (9.6gm%) and weight (45.4Kg) of the PLHA indicated their poor nutritional status. Conclusion: Late reporting at the initiation of ART was reported in about one third of the patients which could adversely affect effectiveness of ART. Efforts to investigate lesser representation of women and rural people are indicated. The study raised concerns about the possible routes of transmission need more investigation

Gender Preference, Attitude and Awareness Regarding Sex Determination Among Married Women Attending General OPD & Antenatal Clinic of RDGMC Ujjain, MP, India

Background: The preference for a son and female feticide continues to be a prevalent norm in traditional Indian household resulting in declining sex ratio, which has dropped to alarming level. Objective: To evaluate gender preference, attitude and awareness regarding sex determination among married women attending general OPD, antenatal clinic of RDGMC UJJAIN, MP, INDIA. Material and methods: Study was conducted in February - March 2011 that enroll 400 married women of reproductive age group attending general OPD, antenatal clinic of RDGMC Ujjain, MP, India. A predesigned questionnaire was used to elicit information on socio-demographic and SES of study subjects and assessing their knowledge, attitude and practice regarding sex determination as: preference, reason for preference. Result: Preferred gender composition was equal no of boy & girls ( 64.5 %) & more boys than girls(23%). 79 % of women were aware about place for sex determination. 69.5 % of women were aware to fact that fetal sex Determination is a crime & 66.5 % of women knew about the punishment for sex determination and implication of feticide. male child preference observed in 40 % of women. Conclusion: Despite the existence of preconception and prenatal diagnostic technique (PNPCDT), there is dire need to strengthen their law