Prevalence of Epstein-Barr Virus and Hepatitis B Virus Infections among Chronic HCV Patients Attending Kafer El Shiekh Liver and Heart Institute, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Viral infections such as hepatitis C (HCV), B (HBV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infections play a critical role in liver disease and represent a critical public health problem all over the world. Dual infections of these viruses are pos­sible and accompanied by bad clinical consequences. Aim: In this study, a trail has been made to detect the seroprevalence of HBV and EBV infections among the HCV patients attending Kafer El Shiekh Liver and Heart Institute, Egypt. The current study was extended to assess the clinical changes in HBV or EBV infection in the chronically HCV infected patients. Methods: One hundred and eighty-four chronically infected patients with HCV were examined for HBV and EBV using ELISA using commercially available kits (Auto Bio Diagnostics Co, China) and (Calbiotech Inc, CA, USA), respectively, and some clinical parameters were demonstrated (compensated cirrhosis using Fibro-scan™, complete blood count, fasting sugar, antinuclear antibody (ANA), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), liver and kidney functions). Results: Overall prevalence of HBV and EBV infection was 1.63% and 17.39%, respectively. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was detected in the prevalence of HBV or EBV among HCV patients based on area, gender, residence, age and HCV RNA load. Liver cirrhosis at patient with concomitant EBV IgG and chronic HCV infections showed a high percentage compared to those patients with chronic HCV mono-infection. Moreover, a significant increase in the level of ALT, AST and the relative monocyte count was detected in patients with concomitant HBV and chronic HCV infections compared to patients with chronic HCV mono-infection. Conclusions: HBV and EBV infection are existed in Egypt among HCV patients. Obtained data recommended the importance of screening and treating of HBV and EBV among HCV patients to lessen the clinical outcome of chronic HCV infection.