Detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) among HIV Positive Patients Attending National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Training Centre and Referral Hospital, Saye-Zaria, Nigeria
M. I. Mbah
*
Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria.
A. I. Evuti
Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
V. Y. Akwa
Department of Biological Sciences, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Nigeria.
B. Abdullahi
Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
M. D. Adam
Department of Microbiology, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
HIV/HBV coinfection can accelerate liver disease among people living with HIV. This hospital-based cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and associated risk factors among HIV-positive patients attending the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Training Centre and Referral Hospital, Saye-Zaria, Nigeria. One hundred eligible HIV-positive patients aged 20–69 years were recruited. HIV status was assessed using Determine and Uni-Gold test strips, HBsAg was detected using a rapid diagnostic test, and CD4+ cell counts were measured using the VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease Rapid Test. Sociodemographic characteristics and potential risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. HBsAg was detected in nine patients, giving an HIV/HBV coinfection prevalence of 9.0%. Higher proportions were observed among patients aged 45–69 years, males, civil servants, married participants, those with tertiary education, urban residents, and those in monogamous marriages; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Seven of the 75 patients with CD4+ cell counts of ≤200 cells/µL were HBsAg-positive, while two of the 25 patients with counts >200 cells/µL were HBsAG positive. HBsAg positivity was highest among patients with an HBV-infected partner (50.0%), a family history of HBV (25.0%), unprotected sexual exposure (13.3%), or a history of using unsterilised needles (14.3%). Having an HBV-infected partner was the only factor significantly associated with HBsAg positivity (p = 0.003). Routine HBV screening, partner testing, counselling, vaccination awareness, and preventive education should be strengthened within HIV care services.
Keywords: Hepatitis B surface antigen, HIV, HIV/HBV coinfection, CD4+ cell count, seroprevalence, risk factors, partner testing, rapid diagnostic testing, Nigeria, Saye-Zaria