The tests which were done according to instructions of the manufacturer (adaltis Italia S
The tests which were done according to instructions of the manufacturer (adaltis Italia S.p.A) have specificity and sensitivity of 99% and 100% respectively. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) assayCatalytic activity of ALT (EC 2.6.1.2) was determined in serum using a COBAS MIRA chemistry analyzer (GMI, MI, USA) after it was calibrated. Statistical analysis Data were entered, cleaned, and analyzed using EPI INFO version 3.3.2 and SPSS version 10.0 3AC [6]. CTC at the MNH calls for routine screening of hepatitis viral co-infection and modification in the management of HIV infected children. Background With more than 1.4 million women estimated to give birth annually and 8.2% HIV prevalence rate at antenatal clinics (ANC), approximately 122, 000 HIV-infected women deliver annually in Tanzania. Assuming a 40% 3AC transmission rate in the absence of any intervention, an estimated 48,000 children will become HIV-infected each year. In 2003, the 3AC number of children (0C15 years) living with HIV/AIDS in Tanzania was estimated to be between 85,000 3AC and 230,000[1,2]. A large number of infected children have been associated with significant increase in morbidity, hospitalization and mortality [2]. With increased access to antibiotics and antifungal agents hepatitis viruses, especially hepatitis B and C, are emerging as the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among children on ART [3]. Relatively little is known regarding HCV or HBV co-infection in HIV infected children in Tanzania. Thus, not surprisingly the current national guidelines for management of HIV disease in children do not include screening and management of hepatitis viral co-infection. We conducted this study to determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for HBV and HCV among HIV infected children aged 18 months to 17 years attending the paediatric HIV Care and Treatment Center (CTC) at MNH, Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania. Methods Study design, setting and population This cross sectional study was conducted at the Paediatrics HIV CTC in Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) between April 2006 and August 2006. The MNH is the largest referral and consultant hospital in Tanzania. All HIV infected children who were attending the Paediatrics HIV CTC at MNH during the study period were eligible. Children included in this study were aged between 18 months and 17 years. Interviews Parents/guardians were interviewed using a standard structure questionnaire to obtain information regarding demographics, age, 3AC sex, and duration of illness, past medical history such as history of blood transfusion, and parenteral treatment, family and social history. Patient record files were used to obtain information regarding HIV status and CD4 count. Only recent CD4 values (within three months) were recorded. Children were classified immunologically according to the immunological classification for HIV-infected infants and children by United States Centers for Disease Control and prevention [4]. Physical examination A thorough physical examination was done according to standard clinical methods [5]. General examination, followed by systemic examination was done. General examination included looking at the skin and mucous membranes for the presence of jaundice especially the sclera and mucous under the tongue, palmar pallor, lymph node enlargement by palpation. Abdominal examination to elicit enlargement of the liver and spleen was done. Laboratory investigations Detection of HBsAg and IgG antibody against hepatitis C virusDetection of HBsAg was done using ELISA technique (EIAgen HBsAg Kit). IgG antibodies to HCV were detected using an ELISA technique (EIAgen HCV Ab Kit). The tests which were done according to instructions of the manufacturer (adaltis Italia S.p.A) have specificity and sensitivity Rabbit Polyclonal to SLC39A7 of 99% and 100% respectively. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) assayCatalytic activity of ALT (EC 2.6.1.2) was determined in serum using a COBAS MIRA chemistry analyzer (GMI, MI, USA) after it was calibrated. Statistical analysis Data were.