Concurrent infections of hepatitis C and HIV in hepatitis B patients in the north-east of Iran.

Co-infection of HBV, HCV and HIV is common because of shared routes of viral transmission with increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Anti-HCV and HIV antibodies of 168 HBV patients were assayed. Co-infection of HCV in HBV patients was seen in four cases (2.4%). Simultaneous infection of HIV in HBV patents was seen in three cases (1.8%). There was no simultaneous co-infection of HCV, HIV and HBV. It is recommended that all patients are screened for possible co-infections before initiating treatment.