Prevalence of hepatitis B active infection in HIV positive infected clients attending AIDS information center, Kampala.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: HBV and HIV are endemic diseases in Sub Sahara Africa and are transmitted via similar routes such as unprotected sexual intercourse with infected persons, however, there is insufficient information on prevalence of HIV-HBV co-infections in Uganda. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at determining prevalence of active HBV infection among HIV positive clients attending to AIDS Information Centre, Kampala. METHODOLOGY: The study was a cross sectional study design where participants who were sero positive for HIV were recruited into the study as they came for routine HIV care. Age, sex and those under Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) and non-ART was recorded. Whole blood samples were collected for testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). CONCLUSION: Two hundred fifty three clients were recruited, fourteen (5.53%) were co-infected. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was more prevalent among males (6.19%) than females (5%). The prevalence of Active Hepatitis B for participants on ART was 5.08 % while non -ART was at 7.58 %. Prevalence was highest for the age group 21-30 years of age at 6.67%. HIV/HBV co infection is likely to occur since they share the same routes of infection therefore the need to screen for both diseases during routine counselling and testing. People on ART have reduced chances of getting infected with HBV.HIV positive males more likely to acquire HBV faster than females.