The prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among HIV sero discordant couples in Kisumu, Kenya

Abstract

HIV-1 sero-discordant couples are at risk of transmitting to each other HIV, HBV and HCV. This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection and associated risk factors among 270 heterosexual HIV sero-discordant couples. Serum samples and data from questionnaires at baseline were obtained from the Phase III randomized placebo-controlled trial of acyclovir for Herpes Simplex Virus-2 suppression to prevent HIV transmission among HIV sero-discordant couples site in Kisumu. The serum samples were analyzed for Hepatitis B surface antigen, antibodies to Hepatitis B core antigen and HCV IgG antibodies. The prevalence of HBV and HCV was not associated with age, gender, income, education, number of children or years lived together and use of contraception. Regardless of whether the participants were HIV positive or not, HCV and HBV prevalence rates were 4%, 5.6% respectively, and HBV/HCV co-infection rate was 0.2%. HCV prevalence was associated with the HIV-1 infection. Since the prevalence of HBV was high, HBV prevention measures should be encouraged among HIV-1 sero-discordant couples to reduce HBV transmission rates among couples. All HIV-1 positive patients should be tested for both HBV and HCV, since HIV positive patients are likely to have HBV or HCV co-infection.

Afr J Health Sci. 2016; 29(1):54-67