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Hepatitis C increase in HIV positive men - May 2011
Information for health professionals
The Department is investigating an increase in cases of newly acquired hepatitis C in HIV positive men over the past few months. Investigations are continuing, but it appears that these infections may be sexually transmitted.
Please consider hepatitis C in any HIV positive person presenting with symptoms consistent with hepatitis, but without conventional risk factors for hepatitis C. Hepatitis C testing should form part of the clinical assessment of newly diagnosed HIV positive persons.
We recommend annual screening of HIV positive men who have sex with men for hepatitis C as well as looking for symptomatic disease and checking liver function tests. It is important to emphasise that safer sex practices are very important, even in those already HIV positive.
In any newly diagnosed case of hepatitis C, please ensure that you refer the patient promptly for specialist assessment as to suitability for treatment.
Specific queries may be directed to the Communicable Diseases Unit, Department of Health on 1300 651 160 or see Hepatitis C - the facts.
Dr John Carnie
Chief Health Officer
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Chief Health Officer Alert - Hepatitis C increase in HIV positive men - May 2011
