Co-infection of HIV and HCV Among Patients Under Antiretroviral Treatment: Insights from Selected Healthcare Facilities in Ilorin, Nigeria - Scorecard - MDSpire

Co-infection of HIV and HCV Among Patients Under Antiretroviral Treatment: Insights from Selected Healthcare Facilities in Ilorin, Nigeria

  • By

  • Felicia E. Williams

  • Jane-Frances I. John-Benson

  • Winifred D. Giwa

  • David U. Adje

  • Louis O. Odeigah

  • Chinonyerem O. Iheanacho

  • Isabel N. Aika

  • January 22, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Co-infection of HIV and HCV Among Patients Under Antiretroviral Treatment: Insights from Selected Healthcare Facilities in Ilorin, Nigeria

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionHIV/HCV co-infection
Key MechanismsShared routes of transmission, immune dysfunction, and cytokine production leading to enhanced replication and liver damage.
Target PopulationPeople living with HIV (PLHIV) in Ilorin, Nigeria.
Care SettingPublic secondary care hospitals in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.

Key Highlights

  • 6.2% of PLHIV globally are co-infected with HCV.
  • HIV/HCV co-infection leads to higher mortality rates from liver disease.
  • Routine HCV screening is crucial for early detection in PLHIV.
  • National guidelines in Nigeria recommend HCV screening for PLHIV initiating ART.
  • Variability in co-infection prevalence reported across different regions in Nigeria.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • Conduct rapid diagnostic screening for HCV antibodies in PLHIV.

Management

  • Implement National HIV Treatment guidelines for HCV screening among PLHIV.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Monitor for ART-related hepatotoxicity in co-infected patients.

Risks

  • Increased risk of liver disease progression and ART-related complications.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Adult PLHIV aged 18 to 70 years on ART for more than 6 months.

Co-infected patients may experience reduced CD4-cell recovery and higher hepatotoxicity.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Regular screening for HCV in PLHIV to prevent late-stage liver disease.
  • Adherence to ART while monitoring for potential hepatotoxic effects.
  • Educate patients on preventive measures against HCV transmission.

References

Original Source(s)

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