HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS AND HEPATITIS B VIRUS COINFECTION AMONG SICKLE CELL DISEASE PATIENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN TEACHING HOSPITAL

Abstract

Persons at high risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are also likely to be at risk of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). These are bloodborne pathogens transmitted through similar routes especially, through blood transfusion. Liver disease has emerged as a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIVinfected person. Further coinfection with viral hepatitis may complicate the delivery of Antiretroviral Therapy by compounding the risk of drug-related hepatotoxicity. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) patients are at high risk of both infections due to their repeated blood transfusion required in a life time. The study therefore aimed at identifying risk factors associated with HIV-HBV coinfection among SCD patients in Ilorin with a view to proffer intervention. Three hundred and fifty SCD patients, male to female ratio of about 1:1.2 and equal number of non-SCD patients matched by age and sex were recruited into the study. Prevalence of HIV-HBV coinfection among SCD and Non-SCD patients are 30% and 23.9% respectively. Prevalence of HIV and HBV were also higher among SCD than non-SCD patients. Risk factor for HIVHBV coinfection among SCD patients is blood transfusion especially, transfusion in private hospitals. In conclusion, SCD patients are at greater risk for HIV, HBV and HIVHBV coinfection due to their higher frequency of blood transfusion. All SCD with history of blood transfusion should therefore be screened for HIV and HBV. Blood transfusion should be strictly regulated and monitored especially when it is in a private hospital.

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS AND HEPATITIS B VIRUS COINFECTION AMONG SICKLE CELL DISEASE PATIENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN TEACHING HOSPITAL