Serological and behavioural profiles of EBV and HIV coinfections in two tertiary health facilities in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is one of the opportunistic pathogens that affects HIV-infected individuals. Although the high prevalence of EBV has been well documented in Africa and some parts of Nigeria, data from Rivers State, Nigeria, remain sparse. This study aimed to determine the Epstein-Barr virus nuclear antigens and the behavioural characteristics of HIV-infected individuals in two tertiary hospitals in Rivers State, Nigeria. One eighty-two (182) individuals attending the Retroviral Clinics of UPTH and RSUTH in Rivers State, Nigeria were sampled and tested for antibodies specific for EBNA by IgM ELISA assays. Data were collected on seropositivity and various behavioural factors. The overall prevalence of IgM antibodies against EBV major immunodominant antigens (EBNA) was 20.9%. The findings indicate a significant association (p < 0.05) between certain behavioural characteristics, such as body piercing and tattooing, and the presence of EBV-IgG antibodies. The findings reveal a prevalence that emphasises the need to monitor EBV infection in all EBV-associated diseases in Nigeria routinely and suggest that targeted public health interventions addressing specific high-risk behaviours, such as tattooing and body piercing, could help mitigate co-infection impact.