Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection amongst patients in Biu, Borno state- Nigeria
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Date
2011
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
International Research Journal of Microbiology (IRJM)
Abstract
The soaring concern over co-infection rates of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B
virus (HBV) amongst people in the country necessitated this survey in patients attending Abott Medical
Centre, Biu in Borno State. Three hundred (300) patients were screened for both HIV and HBV using the
rapid Chromatographic immunoassay for qualitative detection of HIV antibodies and HBV antigens in
serum. Out of these 300 patients, 216 (72%) were negative to both HIV and HBV, 45 (15%) were HIV
positive, 28 (9.3%) were HBV positive and 11(3.6%) were reactors to dual HIV and HBV infections. The
co-infection rates showed association with age amongst positive reactors and in significance with
gender. This study confirms occurrence of co-infections of HIV and HBV in the study area. Active
surveillance through concurrent screening of both diseases during HIV testing and counseling as well
as public awareness campaigns to educate the masses about the diseases is therefore recommended.
Description
Keywords
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, Co-infection, Biu, Nigeria.