Since National Hepatitis Testing Day was last week, it seems as if a discussion regarding Hepatitis, HIV, and Co-Infection is needed to emphasize why such testing days are important and need to be celebrated. It is vital for all people to be tested for Hepatitis (A, B, and C), but it is imperative for those of us living with HIV to be tested on a regular basis. Other than testing, it is important for all, especially those of us living with HIV, to be vaccinated for Hepatitis A and B. Unfortunately, there is not a vaccination for Hepatitis C. It is important to remember that testing and early detection is vital to treatment and survival. Treatment exists for Hepatitis A, B, & C. Presently there is only a cure, relatively new, for Hepatitis C. FDA-approved drugs have recently had a 90% cure rate for HCV; however, the costs related to such meds are expensive but should decrease as competitive medications begin to be approved.
This is a condensed lesson on Co-Infection of HIV & Hepatitis, as well as an explanation of differences among the three most common types of Hepatitis virus: HAV, HBV, and HCV.
Co-Infection HIV & Hepatitis
- Conditions associated with Hepatitis B and C are currently among the leading causes of hospital admission and death in the HIV-infected population
- Therefore, the adequate management of Hepatitis B and C is now being considered a priority in HIV co-infected patients
- Since there is not a 'cure' at this time for Hepatitis B, the main goal of treating HBV/HIV co-infection is to stop or slow down HBV viral activity as much as possible and for as long as possible
- It is important to remember that both HIV and HCV are treatable for most patients, including the majority of HIV-positive people
- Once an individual is either HIV-positive or HEP B/C positive, they are still able to be re-infected with another strain of HIV or HEP virus OR a drug-resistant strain
- Because HBV & HIV are both blood borne viruses transmitted primarily through sexual contact and injection drug use, a high proportion of people at risk for HIV infection are also at risk for HBV infection
- About 1/4 of HIV-infected persons in the United States are also infected with HCV
- There are < 1.2 million people living with HIV in the U.S.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
- HCV is spread primarily through contact with the blood of an infected person
- In 2012, there were an estimated 21,870 cases of acute Hepatitis C virus infections reported in the United States
- An estimated 3.2 million persons in the United States have chronic Hepatitis C infection. Most people do not know they are infected because they don't look or feel sick
- Approximately 75-85% of people who become infected with Hepatitis C virus develop chronic infection
- Today most people become infected with the Hepatitis C virus by sharing needles or other equipment to inject drugs
- The risk of sexual transmission increases for those who have multiple sex partners, have a sexually transmitted disease, engage in rough sex, or are infected with HIV
- Although anyone can get Hepatitis C, some people are at greater risk, such as:
- Current injection drug users (currently the most common way HCV is transmitted in the U.S.)
- Past injection drug users, including those who injected only one time or many years ago
- Recipients of donated blood, blood products, and organs prior to 1992
- People who received a blood product for clotting problems made before 1987
- Hemodialysis patients or persons who spent many years on dialysis for kidney failure
- Recipients of blood or organs from a donor who tested positive for the Hepatitis C virus
- HIV-infected persons
- Approximately 15,000 people die every year from Hepatitis C-related liver disease
- Of every 100 people infected with the Hepatitis C virus:
- 75-85 people will develop Chronic HCV
- 60-70 people will go on to develop chronic liver disease
- 15-20 people will go on to develop cirrhosis over a period of 20-30 years
- 1-5 people will die from cirrhosis or liver cancer
Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease that ranges in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness
- Hepatitis B is most commonly spread through sexual contact and accounts for nearly two-thirds of acute Hepatitis B cases
- Many people with chronic HBV infection do not know they are infected since they do not feel or look sick. However, they can still spread the virus to others and are at risk of serious health problems themselves
- Hepatitis B is 50-100 times more infectious than HIV and can be passed through the exchange of bodily fluids such as semen, vaginal fluids, and blood
- Although anyone can get Hepatitis B, some people are at greater risk, such as those who:
- Have sex with an infected person
- Have multiple sex partners
- Have a sexually transmitted disease
- Are men who have sexual contact with other men
- Inject drugs or share needles, syringes, or other drug equipment
- Live with a person who has chronic Hepatitis B
- Are infants born to infected mothers
- Are exposed to blood on the job
Hepatitis A (HAV)
- Hepatitis A can range in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe illness lasting several months
- Hepatitis A is usually spread when a person ingests fecal matter - even in microscopic amounts - from contact with objects, food, or drinks contaminated by the feces, or stool, of an infected person
- Hepatitis A is the least common of the Hepatitis viruses with only about 3,000 cases in 2012
Bryan Heitz
Risk Reduction Specialist
I am Success, i live in Maharashtra in India, i was diagnosed with hepatitis b for 6years ago i lived in pain with the knowledge that i wasn't going to ever be well again, i contacted so many doctors on this issue and all was in vial, because i was determined to get my life back so one day i saw a post about Dr Ekpiku who cure all manners of diseases, including hepatitis b, I contacted him via email: ekpikuspellhomeofgrace@hotmail.com and made purchase of the hepatitis Vaccine, i received the Vaccine through DHL within 3 days, when i received the Vaccine i applied it as prescribed and i was totally cured of hepatitis b within few's days of usages, i went back to my doctor and he confirmed that i was negative.I was free curable cured from the disease, am so happy now, Viewers contact Dr Ekpiku via email: ekpikuspellhomeofgrace@gmail.com.
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ReplyDeleteBig thanks to Dr. Iyabiye who treated/cure my brother of chronic HEPATITIS B and Cirrhosis. My brother was diagnosed of the disease last year and we tried several antiviral medications but they were all to no avail. At a point my brother developed swollen stomach and loss of appetite, I went online out of frustration for a new medication and I came across this doctor’s recommendation. I reached out to him and my brother was cured after the completion of the medicine and tested negative at the hospital. Dr. iyabiye’s contact: call/whatsapp: +234-815-857-7300 and email: iyabiyehealinghome@gmail.com
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