Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Syphilis Co-Infections among HIV Infected Patients at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City

Abstract

Background: Victims of HIV infection may suffer a co-infection with hepatitis B and C viruses that share similar mode of transmission. Syphilis, a major cause of Sexually Transmitted Infections, is known to predispose to the transmission of these infections.
Aim: The objective of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and Syphilis co-infections with HIV.
Methodology: It is a cross sectional study conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Benin City. Consecutive patients were sampled using an interviewer administered questionnaire after obtaining an informed consent. Venous blood sample was collected from each patient. HBsAg, Anti-HCV, was tested using one-step rapid test kits by Clinotech’s Diagnostics, Canada. Anti-Treponema pallidum testing was done using rapid test strip by Global Strip Reagents, USA and CD4⁺ count analyzed by Cyflow SL3 Green Germany.
Results: A total of 320 patients were analyzed. Twenty eight (8.8%) had HBV co-infection,16 (5%) had HCV co-infection and 12 (3.8%) had syphilis co-infection with HIV. There was no significant difference in the mean CD4⁺ counts of patients with HBV, HCV and syphilis co-infections and those who were not co-infected as P values were 0.52, 0.52 and 0.75 respectively.
Conclusion: There is a relatively high prevalence of HBV, HCV and Syphilis co-infection in this locality. The high prevalence, not related to CD4⁺ count, suggests that the co-infection is not an opportunistic event associated with Immunosuppresion of HIV disease. 

Keywords: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Syphilis, Coinfection, Benin City