Viral hepatitis B and C co-infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus among adult patients attending selected highly active anti-retroviral therapy clinics in Nigeria’s capital

ABSTRACT

Hepatitis B and C are liver diseases caused by hepatitis B and C viruses, and co-infection in HIV-positive individuals is common, with increased mortality and morbidity. This study determined the seroprevalence of HIV co-infection with the two viruses among patients attending three major hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. From February to July 2019, 311 sera samples were collected from HIV positive patients and screened for Hepatitis B and C infection. Immunochromatographic and ELISA techniques for HBsAg and HCV were used. Socio-demographic features and responses to risk factors were obtained using questionnaires. Patients’ data and results obtained were analyzed with SPSS version 25. The prevalence of HIV/HBV/HCV, HIV/HBV, and HIV/HCV co-infection were 0.64%, 6.43%, and 3.86%, respectively. The triple infection and both co-infections were preponderant among females than males, with a prevalence rate of 0.64%, 3.85%, 2.57%, and 0%, 2.57%, 1.29%, respectively. People aged 31–40 years had the highest triple infection (0.64%) and HIV/HCV infection rate (2.57%), while patients aged 21–30 years had the highest HBV co-infection (3.22%) rates. Widowed patients had the most co-infection rate in all cases. High-risk behavior indicated that there was a significant association between blood donation/reception and engagement in unprotected sex and HIV/HBV/HCV co-infection. The other risk factors revealed no significant effect (p > .05). There was generally a low rate of exposure to associated risk factors. This study highlighted the endemicity of hepatitis virus co-infection in Abuja and the existence of few reports of HIV co-infection with HBV and HCV compared to the nation’s population.

KEYWORDS:

• HIV
• HBV
• HCV
• co-infection
• mortality
• sexually transmitted disease
• blood transfusion
• viral hepatitis

Acknowledgments

Authors would like to acknowledge Mr. Okohu Isaac, Mr. Akinwande Olusegun, and all other staff of Zankli Research Centre (Bingham University, Karu) for their co-operation. The authors would also like to acknowledge the entire staff and management of the included hospitals who were of great assistance in the course of the research.

Authors’ Contribution

All of the authors had access to the full dataset (including statistical reports and tables), and take responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis. ANCJ designed the study. SPT and MMH did the sampling. ANCJ designed the analysis. ANCJ, SPT, and MMH analysed the samples and interpreted the patients’ data regarding the co-infection and responses to risk factors. ANCJ and SPT were major contributors in writing the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Availability of Supporting Data

The dataset used or analysed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Competing Interest

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Ethical Approval and Consent to Participate

Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Health and Research Ethics committee governing the selected hospitals. The approval reference numbers include FHREC/2019/01/11/18-02-19 (for Gwarinpa General Hospital and Garki Hospital Abuja) and FCTA/HHSS/HMB/GEN/038/T (for Maitama District Hospital). Written Informed consent to participate in the study was obtained from the study participants before being enrolled consecutively.

Additional information

Funding

The authors received no financial support for the research, authorship, and publication of this article.