A Survey of the Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Antibodies amongst HIV Positive Patients in Tertiary Health Institution in South Eastern Nigeria

Human immunodeficiency virus is a major pandemic in Nigeria and the growing prevalence of hepatitis of Hepatitis B and C admix infection in on increasing measure. A survey on the prevalence of hepatitis B and C amongst HIV infected patient was carried out between March and September 2011. A total of 720 whole blood samples were collected and out of these, 206 were males and 514 females. The samples were serologically assayed for the presence of antibodies to HBV (anti-HBsAg) and HCV using screening test strip. The overall prevalence of HBsAg, HCV and both viral infection among HIV positive subject studied is 126(17.5%) and 138(6.4%) among HIV negative (control). The age group, <1-20years had the highest prevalence of HBsAg (26.5%) and HCV (15.4%), followed by 41-60years; HBsAg (20.4%) and HCV (6.1%) and is statistically significant p.0.05. The gender related prevalence shows that males had a higher prevalence of HBsAg, 26(12.6%), HCV, 15(7.3%) and both viral infection, 15(2.4%) than females 57(11.1%); 19(3.7%) and 04(0.8%) respectively (p<0.05). Human immunodeficiency positive patients should be screened for both Hepatitis B and C on their initial visits to HIV –clinic, as this will help in antiretroviral therapy (ART) plan and treatment.