Journal of Antivirals & Antiretrovirals
Open Access
ISSN: 1948-5964
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 1948-5964
+44 1300 500008
Nada M Melhem
American University of Beirut, Lebanon
Posters-Accepted Abstracts: J Antivir Antiretrovir
It is well established that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals co-infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) suffer from liver pathology associated with morbidity and mortality. Moreover, HIV-infected individuals do not respond well to treatment for HBV or HCV and hence are at increased risk of hepatic toxicity. Consequently, co-infection of HIV-positive individuals with HBV and/or HCV is a global health problem of significant magnitude. Little is known about the co-infection status of HIV, HBV and HCV in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. HIV, HBV and HCV are blood-borne viruses with similar modes of transmission. The categories of people at high risk of acquiring HIV- 1, HBV and HCV commonly include: Men who have sex with men (MSMs), female sex workers (FSW), injecting drug users (IDUs). The aim of this review is to identify gaps in the existing knowledge on single, dual and triple infections of HIV, HBV and HCV in the region among MSMs, FSWs, IDUs and prisoners. This review highlights the paucity and the variability of existing data on high-risk groups and the status HIV, HBV, HCV infections and co-infection in the MENA region. Without addressing the risks of expanding epidemics among high-risk groups, an AIDS free society will remain an illusion. It is obvious that resources need to be allocated to inform strategic planning and policy of the silently creeping waves of HIV and viral hepatitis epidemics among these groups.
Email: melhemn@aub.edu.lb