Seroprevalence of HBV and HIV co-infection in children and outcomes following highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Uyo, South-South Nigeria.

BACKGROUND

Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Hepatitis B Virus (HIV/HBV) co-infection in Nigerian children has emerged as a major concern with the advent of HAART. Its impact on the immune system and liver has not been extensively studied in children.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of HBV seropositivity among HIV positive children on HAART and its effect on immune response and liver enzymes.

METHODS

All consecutive HIV positive children aged two months to seventeen years on HAART constituted the study population. Age and gender; CD4+ count, ALT, creatinine and HBsAg were tested and documented at enrolment and 12months.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy one patients were seen over this period. Seventy-two (43.4%) were males while 94 (56.6%) were females giving a male: female ratio of 1:1.3. The mean age of the patients was 63±43.4 months. Prevalence of HIV/HBV co-infection was 6.02% (95% CI 2.4-9.7). There was no significant effect of HBV status on elevation of ALT levels with 12 months of HAART. Co-infected patients had an odds ratio of achieving immune response of 0.14 (95% CI 0.02-0.79).

CONCLUSION

HIV/HBV co-infection rates in our children are comparable to other localities. ALT levels do not worsen with HAART and immune response of the co-infected children on HAART is lower.