HIV/HBV Coinfections Among People Living With HIV/AIDS in Yenagoa, Bayelsa, Nigeria

Coinfection is another major challenge because it affects the rate at which HIV progress to AIDS. In this study, 104 HIV-positive patients were recruited and evaluated for the presence of HBV among people living with HIV/AIDs (PLWHA) in Yenagoa, Nigeria. Blood samples were re-screened for the presence of HIV antibodies using the Determine HIV-1/2 (Alere), then screened for HBsAg with RDT and ELISA kit following the respective manufacturer's instructions. The overall coinfection was 2.0% for HIV/HBV. CD4 counts and viral load was an indicator for HIV/HBV coinfections. A higher HIV/HBV coinfection occurred among age groups >41 years (2.2%), females (3.0%), CD4 counts <200 cells/µl (3.7%) and Viral load 200-999 copies/ml (2.4%). None of the sociodemographic characteristics of these participants was significantly associated (p > 0.05) with HIV/HBV coinfections. The present study has further confirmed the presence of HIV/HBV coinfections among PLWHA in Yenagoa, Nigeria Males were more prone to HIV/HBV coinfection. At the same time, their female counterparts demonstrated a more excellent disposition to HIV infection only. HIV status did seem to influence the predisposition to HBV infection, as an increase in susceptibility was observed with HIV-infected patients in Yenagoa, Nigeria.