Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Co-Infections among Patients attending General Hospital, Wukari, Taraba State, North East, Nigeria
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are all potent viral pathogens of public health significance. However, there is limited data regarding co-infection of HIV, HBV, and HCV in developing countries, especially Nigeria. Hence this study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV co-infections among patients in Wukari, Taraba State. One hundred (100) blood samples of patients attending Hospital in Wukari, Taraba state were collected and screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen, anti – HCV antigen and HIV antigen were included in this study. The venous blood samples were collected and screened for Hepatitis-B surface antigen (HBsAg), Anti-HCV antibodies and HIV antibodies using HBV Combo Rapid Test Cassette; TELL Rapid diagnostic strip as well as Determine and StakPat test strips using standard serological techniques. The results indicates prevalence rate of HBV was 15.0%, 20.0% males and 13.8% females, HCV was 5.0, with 3.3% males and with 6.2% females and HIV was 8%, 10.0% males and 7.1% females. The prevalence rates of HBV/HIV, HCV/HIV and HBV/HCV/HIV co-infections were 7.0%, 3.0% and 2.0% respectively. The prevalence of HBV/HCV/HIV and HBV/HCV/HIV infection was more among subjects within age range of 21-30 years (11.5%, 3.8% and 3.8%) and lowest within the age range of 11-20 years (4.5%, 0% and 0%). This study further reaffirms the need for routine baseline screening for this serological marker, as it is a major consideration in the initiation and choice of highly active Anti-Retroviral Therapy. Hence, the results obtained from this researched implies that patients should be encouraged to go for screening and know their status for proper management to avoid cirrhosis and liver cancer and take steps to avoid infecting other individuals. Also, for those that are seropositive, early diagnosis, treatment and vaccination are the recommended preventive measures. There is need for vigorous awareness campaigns on the routes of transmission of these infections and to educate people living in developing regions as to the deadly effect of these infections.
How to Cite This Article
Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth, Anyiam Ifeoma Vivian, Abhadionmhen Abel Onolunosen, Ndubuisi Miracle Nneoma, Ekeh Amarachi Promise (2023).
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Co-Infections among Patients attending General Hospital, Wukari, Taraba State, North East, Nigeria
. International Journal of Medical and All Body Health Research (IJMABHR), 4(2), 36-42.