Hepatitis B Co-Infection in HIV-Infected Patients Receiving Antiretroviral Therapy at the TC Newman Anti Retroviral Treatment Clinic in Paarl; Western Cape

ABSTRACT

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection in South Africa is estimated to be between 5% and 23%; however; only limited evidence is available. Co-infection increases the risk of chronification of HBV; liver cirrhosis and death. Objective: To assess the HBV and/or HIV co-infection rate amongst the adult antiretroviral treatment cohort at the TC Newman ART Clinic in Paarl; Western Cape.Methods: In a retrospective; cross-sectional study; the routine hepatitis B surface antigen screening results for all adult HIV patients who were started on antiretroviral treatment over a period of 19 months were collected and analysed for gender; CD4 count and age.Results: Amongst the 498 participants (60% female participants); the Hepatitis B surface Antigen positivity rate was 7.6%. Male gender; age between 50 and 59 years and a low CD4 count were correlated with higher rates. Conclusion: Useful insight could be obtained by analysing routine data. The prevalence of almost 8% confirms the need for testing of HIV-positive patients for hepatitis B