“Co-infections of hepatitis viruses in HIV-affected persons is a major cause for concern and our medical experts should take cognizance of it.
HIV cases should be screened for other viruses and a holistic treatment given to patients for a better quality life,” said S.P. Thyagarajan, former Vice-Chancellor of Madras University and Dean (Research) at Sri Ramachandra University, Chennai.
He was delivering the eighth Prof. J.V. Bhat Memorial Oration at the Seminar Hall of School of Life Sciences here on Monday.
Prof. Thyagarajan said, “Since most of the HIV-related mortality is due to these liver infections, and not necessarily from that of HIV, the experts should pay attention to the viruses as there is sufficient evidence to show they exist.
“All viruses should be taken into consideration together and treated appropriately. Because if HIV is treated and contained, the hepatitis problem still remains,” said Prof. Thyagarajan and added, “by doing so, the mortality rate can be reduced.”
He spoke about the various co-infections of HIV and the various forms of Hepatitis Virus (HBV, HCV etc.) in Indian population.
He showed that co-infection of HIV-HCV was much more prevalent in the population than that of HIV-HBV.
He also pointed out that with advances in anti-retroviral therapy (ART), HIV-related deaths have been on the wane.
