The Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Co-Infection among HIV-1-infected Patients in Keffi, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) are devastating disease agents that share common modes of transmission. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of hepatitis B and C co-infection rates among HIV patients accessing healthcare at Federal Medical Center Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. This study lasted between June - December, 2012. A total of 200 sero-positive HIV patients participated in the study at the ART clinic. Blood samples collected routinely were screened for the presence of HBV and HCV. Socio-demographic information was collected by the use of a questionnaire. The study population comprised of 54(27%) males and 146 (73%) females. 11% (22/200) were positive for HBV, 13.5% (27/200) were positive for HCV and 5% (10/200) were positive for both HBV and HCV. The prevalence rates of hepatitis B and C co-infection among the HIV patients was insignificantly different (P>0.05) statistically for sex (P=0.37) and ART status (P=0.57) different for Educational status (P=0.57), Marital status (P=0.09), Age (P=0.99), Occupation (P=0.79), CD4 Count (P=0.96) and socio-demographic factors (P=0.88). The prevalence rates of HBV and HCV co-infection are increasing in patients with HI. Having acquired the knowledge about the importance of such a co-infection, it is essential that all the patients with HIV be screened for HBV and HCV co-infection.