Prevalence and correlates of HCV infection among HIV serodisordant couples in Dehong prefecture of Yunnan province

Objective To examine the prevalence and correlates of HCV infection among HIV serodisordant couples in Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province. Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire interview was administered to solicit sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of HIV serodiscordant couples. Blood was collected for HCV antibody testing using commercial Anti-HCV EIA Kit. Results Among 582 HIV serodiscordant couples, 12 (2.1%) couples were concordantly HCV positive, and 138 (23.7%) were HCV-discordant. The HCV prevalence was 23.2% for HIV-positive spouses, significantly higher than that (4.6%) for HIV-negative spouses (χ²=83.641, P<0.001). The HCV prevalence was 32.6% for HIV-positive male spouses, significantly higher than that (4.6%) for HIV-negative male spouses (χ²=56.828, P<0.001). No significant difference in HCV prevalence was found between HIV-positive (4.6%) and HIV-negative female spouses (4.7%) (χ²<0.001, P=0.958). Multivariable Logistic regression analysis indicated that HCV infection was positively associated with age at 35-46, Jingpo minority, HIV infection and drug use. Conclusions HCV prevalence was high among HIV-serodiscordant couples especially HIV-infected male spouses. There was a potential sexual transmission of HCV. These findings underscore the importance of enhancing tailored HCV prevention and control among these people.