Detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) among HIV Positive Patients Attending National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Training Centre and Referral Hospital, Saye-Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract

HIV/HBV coinfection can accelerate liver disease among people living with HIV. This hospital-based cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and associated risk factors among HIV-positive patients attending the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Training Centre and Referral Hospital, Saye-Zaria, Nigeria. One hundred eligible HIV-positive patients aged 20–69 years were recruited. HIV status was assessed using Determine and Uni-Gold test strips, HBsAg was detected using a rapid diagnostic test, and CD4+ cell counts were measured using the VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease Rapid Test. Sociodemographic characteristics and potential risk factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. HBsAg was detected in nine patients, giving an HIV/HBV coinfection prevalence of 9.0%. Higher proportions were observed among patients aged 45–69 years, males, civil servants, married participants, those with tertiary education, urban residents, and those in monogamous marriages; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Seven of the 75 patients with CD4+ cell counts of ≤200 cells/µL were HBsAg-positive, while two of the 25 patients with counts >200 cells/µL were HBsAG positive. HBsAg positivity was highest among patients with an HBV-infected partner (50.0%), a family history of HBV (25.0%), unprotected sexual exposure (13.3%), or a history of using unsterilised needles (14.3%). Having an HBV-infected partner was the only factor significantly associated with HBsAg positivity (p = 0.003). Routine HBV screening, partner testing, counselling, vaccination awareness, and preventive education should be strengthened within HIV care services.