Prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) coinfections among male prisoners in Alborz province

Prisoners are among the high risk population for contagious infections such as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), HBV (Hepatitis B Virus), HCV (Hepatitis C Virus), TB (Tuberculosis), and other dangerous diseases. In spite of other countries in the world, data about the prevalence and risk factors for infectious diseases among prisoners are spars in Iran. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV, HCV and TB coinfections among male prisoners suffering from HIV.

In this descriptive-analytical study, 100 HIV patients were selected. Microscopic examination (acid fast staining) was applied on sputum specimens and serological (HBsAg, anti- HCV) and molecular (Real time PCR and DNA sequencing) investigations carried out on patient’s sera.

Among 100 prisoners affected with HIV, the prevalence of HCV, HBV and TB infections were 45%, 3%, and 9%, respectively. All HBV positive cases were genotype D, subgenotype ayw2. Among the HCV positive subjects, 34 (75.5%) and 11 (24.5%) were genotype 1a and genotype 3a, respectively. There was no significant relation between age, CD4 and transmission route of HCV in male prisoners affected with HIV. Drug injection was the main route for the acquisition of HCV, HBV infections.

This study showed that a high prevalence of HCV and TB infections among male prisoners affected with HIV.