HIV,HCV,and HBV Co-Infections in a Rural Area of Shanxi Province with a History of Commercial Blood Donation

Background:Unhygienic blood collection in the early 1990s led to blood‐borne infections in Central China.This study aimed to estimate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co‐infection with hepatitis C and B viruses (HCV and HBV) and their risk factors in a rural area of Shanxi Province with a history of commercial blood donation.Methods:A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2004.All adult residents in the target area were invited to participate in the study.Face‐to‐face interviews were completed and blood specimens were tested for HIV,HCV,and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg).Results:Prevalence rates of HIV,HCV,and HBsAg were 1.3% (40/3 062),12.7% (389/3 062),and 3.5% (103/2982),respectively.Of the 40 HIV‐positive specimens,85% were HCV positive and 2.5% were HBsAg positive.The history of commercial blood donation was positively associated with HIV,HCV,and HIV/HCV co‐infections,but was negatively associated with HBsAg seropositivity.Migration for employment in the last 5 years was positively related to HIV,HBsAg,and HIV/HCV co‐infections.Univariate logistic analysis showed that illegal drug use,number of sex partners,extramarital sex behavior,commercial sex behavior,and condom use rate were not related to anti‐HIV,anti‐HCV,HBsAg seropositivity or their co‐infections.Conclusion:The history of commercial blood donation was the main risk factor for HIV,HCV,and HIV/HCV co‐infections in this former commercial blood donation area.HIV and HCV prevention and treatment interventions are important in this area.