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Keywords:
human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroprevalence ophthalmic surgery sub-Saharan Africa
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HIV Seroprevalence in Patients Undergoing Ophthalmic Surgery in the Niger/Delta Region of Nigeria
Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the number of HIV
positive cases undergoing ophthalmic surgery at two centres
in Nigeria and to assess if routine testing is clinically or
economically effective.
Methods: All patients listed for ophthalmic surgery in two eye
units in southern Nigeria during a six-month period in 2005,
who underwent a routine set of pre-operative blood tests –
including HIV test – after giving full-informed consent, were
included. Laboratory investigation of HIV status was by
ELISA. Details of the patients’ age, sex, diagnosis and
preoperative HIV status were noted on a spreadsheet database.
Results: At the university teaching hospital, HIV was detected in
one out of 87 cases (1.15%). At the other provincial hospital
3 HIV positive cases were detected out of 41 ophthalmic
surgery patients (7.31%).
Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV in Nigeria is high, although
it varies between type of hospital and region. Ophthalmic
surgeons should bear this in mind whilst operating. Routine
testing of HIV status might not be absolutely necessary as it
does not influence changes in surgical technique or
preparation but rather reinforces the need for safe and effective
preventive measures.
positive cases undergoing ophthalmic surgery at two centres
in Nigeria and to assess if routine testing is clinically or
economically effective.
Methods: All patients listed for ophthalmic surgery in two eye
units in southern Nigeria during a six-month period in 2005,
who underwent a routine set of pre-operative blood tests –
including HIV test – after giving full-informed consent, were
included. Laboratory investigation of HIV status was by
ELISA. Details of the patients’ age, sex, diagnosis and
preoperative HIV status were noted on a spreadsheet database.
Results: At the university teaching hospital, HIV was detected in
one out of 87 cases (1.15%). At the other provincial hospital
3 HIV positive cases were detected out of 41 ophthalmic
surgery patients (7.31%).
Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV in Nigeria is high, although
it varies between type of hospital and region. Ophthalmic
surgeons should bear this in mind whilst operating. Routine
testing of HIV status might not be absolutely necessary as it
does not influence changes in surgical technique or
preparation but rather reinforces the need for safe and effective
preventive measures.
