Abstract

Co-infection with HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) has become an important factor of co-morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HIV/HBV co-infection and its effect on the disease progression in people living with HIV/AIDS identified in Yaoundé Central Hospital. Blood samples from 75 HIV positive patients were collected in Yaoundé Central Hospital from November 2015 to February 2016, for the determination of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) using immunoassays. Cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) T-cells count and biochemical markers of liver function were also collected and analyzed. The socio-demographic data were also collected. The effect sizes were confirmed using G*Power version 3.1.9.2 software. The data were entered and analyzed using the SPSS Version 22.1 software.  The statistical tests performed were x2, and Pearson correlation, with significant difference at the threshold p ≤ 0.05. Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) was identified in 12 patients out of 75 HIV-positive patients, for a HIV/HBV co-infection prevalence of 16%. The co-infection rate was higher in women 9 (12%) than in men 3 (4%). Among HIV infected patients, a negative and significant correlation was observed between CD4 count and ALT activity, and between the concentration of conjugated bilirubin and the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) p≤ 0.05. The prevalence of HIV/HBV co-infection is higher among HIV positive patients in the Yaoundé Central Hospital. HIV associated with HBV plays a role in the disease progression. Consequently, it is important that a national management programme is in place in the country to monitor the incidence and morbidity rates of these affections.

Key words: Co-infection, seroprevalence, hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) T-cells, liver enzymes, disease progression.