Human Immunodeficiency and Hepatitis B Viral Co-infection in Women Attending Antenatal Care Clinic in a Tertiary Health Institution in Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are major global health problems with common modes of transmission. Objective: To determine the prevalence, demographic characteristics, risk factors and liver dysfunction among antenatal women with HIV and HBV co-infection. Methodology: A crosssectional study of 586 pregnant women. Socio-demographic data were collected and blood samples were collected and tested for HBsAg and HIV infection. The liver function test was conducted on those who tested positive to HBV alone and have HIV/HBV co-infection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18 statistical program. Result: The prevalence of patients with HIV and HBV co-infection was 0.3%. They are single and in the age group of 21-24. The mean value of total bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin of the patients with HBV/HIV co-infection were significantly higher (p=0.037) than in those with hepatitis B virus infection alone. Conclusion: The study showed low HIV/HBV co-infection amongst antenatal women and confirmed the assertion that co-infection leads to significant impaired liver function. This should be kept very low or eradicated to reduce devastating complications of HIV/HBV co-infection.