Coinfection of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients with Hepatitis B Virus in Lokoja, North Central Nigeria.

Globally, coinfection of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is associated with an accelerated progression of HIV disease and higher mortality resulting from complications of liver-related disease. Despite the public health importance, data are lacking on this subject in the study area. Therefore, we evaluated the prevalence and risk factors for HIV/HBV coinfection among HIV patients accessing antiretroviral treatment in Lokoja, Nigeria. In a cross-sectional study, sera from randomly selected 200 consenting HIV patients were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using The Commercial Rapid Immunoassay Test Kit. Demographic variables and putative risk factors of HBV transmission were obtained using structured questionnaire. HBsAg prevalence was 8.0% in the sampled group with higher seropositivity rate in the age group, 40-49 years, followed by those 20-29 years of age, whereas the other age groups had zero positivity rates each. The difference between seroprevalence rates in relation to patients' age and sex was not statistically significant ( > 0.05). Patients with no formal education, who were married and were housewives, had higher rates of HBV infection compared with others in the group. Although not statistically significant ( > 0.05), the likelihood of exposure to HBV was higher among patients who were engaged in multiple sexual behaviors, alcoholism, smoking, sharing of sharps, ear piercing, and had history of blood transfusion. Conclusively, HIV/HBV coinfection rate in our study is comparable to other localities and thus, affirm the endemicity in the study area. The need to strengthen health education of the masses to desist from risky behaviors is recommended to reduce the morbidity and mortality arising from HIV/HBV comorbidity.