HIV and HBV coinfection in Niger-Delta, Nigeria

Aim: This study was conducted to ascertain the level of coexistence of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV and to determine their significant association. Both HBV and HIV share the same routes of infection.

Methods: The study was conducted on 500 persons consisting 250 subjects who tested positive to HIV and 250 subjects who tested positive to HBV. HIV positive individuals were further tested for HBV. Similarly, HBV positive individuals were tested for HIV infection. Each group had 125 males and 125

females.

Results: Individuals in the age group 31-50 years had the highest prevalence of HIV coinfection with HBV. The study shows a prevalence of 16.4% HBV among HIV infected persons and a prevalence of 12.8% HIV among HBV individuals in Niger-Delta area of Nigeria. Although, the two diseases have

similar routes of infection, they are not significantly associated.

Conclusion: HBV infection should not be used as a presumptive diagnosis for HIV infection.