Seroprevalence of HIV, HBsAg anti HCV and syphilis in subjects attending integrated counseling and testing centre for HIV at Bhaskar general hospital, RR District, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Aim: The present study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of HIV 1 and 2, Hepatitis B surface antigen, antibodies to Hepatitis C virus and antibody to Treponemapallidum among the people attending integrated counseling and testing centre at bhaskar general hospital & medical college RR district Andhra Pradesh. The main objective of the study was to emphasize the need of strengthening the existing awareness programmes for HIV in the rural &semiurban population, and integrating viral hepatitis and syphilis screening with ICTC’s so that these infections are better prevented, diagnosed and treated earlier. Materials &Methods:Blood samples from 437 individuals attending ICTC; were collected between June to September 2009. Test for HIV was performed as per NACO guidelines and for other infections as per the manufacturer instructions. Results: Out of the 437 samples screened 8.2% of the tested people gave positive results for either of the infections like HIV 1, HBsAg, syphilis. Anti HCV could not be detected in the present study. The overall prevalence rates for HIV-1 was 4.1% ,HBsAg –1.1% syphilis 2.9% and antiHCV 0%.Among the various demographic factors like age, sex, marital status, literacy level & risk behavior ,age had a greater impact on the prevalence rates . Co infections were detected in 0.7% of the individuals in the form of HIV- syphilis - 0.45% and HIV – HBV in 0.22% in the people tested. Inantenatal women the prevalence rates were for HIV 1- 0.7%, HBV -1.3% and syphilis- 4%. Conclusion: The need to make rural& semi urban area people understand the need and benefits of getting tested as most of them are unaware of their serological status. Hence most of the infections go undetected.

Keywords

• Seroprevaleance
• HIV
• HBsAg
• HCV
• Syphilis
• Co-infections
• Antenatal