The Impact of Schistosomal and Hepatitis C Virus Co-infection on Some Clinic-pathological Parameters.

Both hepatitis C virus (HCV) and schistosomiasis are highly endemic in Egypt and co-infection is frequently encountered. The impact of such co-infection on hepatic fibrosis and necro-inflammatory grades is worthy of investigation. In this study, we compare the degree of hepatic fibrosis and necro-inflammatory activity in liver tissue samples in two groups of HCV patients: positive and negative to shcistosoma antibodies. In addition, we investigate the effect of co-infection on clinic-pathological parameters in serum samples of both groups such as Aspartate aminotransferase (AST); Alanine aminotransferase (ALT); Bilirubin; Albumin and AST to platelets ratio index (APRI). Our data reveal that positive schistosomal serology has a significant impact on fibrosis stage and necro-inflammatory activity but no statistically significant differences were found in serum clinic-pathological parameters.