2 research outputs found
Seroprevalence of HBV and HIV co-infection in children and outcomes following highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Uyo, South-South Nigeria
Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus/ Hepatitis B Virus (HIV/HBV)
co-infection in Nigerian children has emerged as a major concern with
the advent of HAART. Its impact on the immune system and liver has not
been extensively studied in children. Objectives: To determine the
prevalence of HBV seropositivity among HIV positive children on HAART
and its effect on immune response and liver enzymes. Methods: All
consecutive HIV positive children aged two months to seventeen years on
HAART constituted the study population. Age and gender; CD4+ count,
ALT, creatinine and HBsAg were tested and documented at enrolment and
12months. Results: One hundred and seventy one patients were seen over
this period. Seventy-two (43.4%) were males while 94(56.6%) were
females giving a male: female ratio of 1:1.3. The mean age of the
patients was 63±43.4 months. Prevalence of HIV/HBV co-infection
was 6.02% (95% CI 2.4-9.7). There was no significant effect of HBV
status on elevation of ALT levels with 12 months of HAART. Co-infected
patients had an odds ratio of achieving immune response of 0.14 (95% CI
0.02-0.79). Conclusion: HIV/HBV co-infection rates in our children are
comparable to other localities. ALT levels do not worsen with HAART and
immune response of the co-infected children on HAART is lower