HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C in Zambia

HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C in Zambia

Blog Article

Objectives : Epidemiologic data of HIV and viral hepatitis coinfection are needed in sub-Saharan Wobbly Bowl Africa to guide health policy for hepatitis screening and optimized antiretroviral therapy (ART).Materials and Methods: We screened 323 HIV-infected, ART-eligible adults for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C antibody (HCV Ab) at a tertiary hospital in Lusaka, Zambia.We collected basic demographic, medical, and laboratory data to determine predictors for coinfection.Results: Of 323 enrolled patients, 32 (9.9%; 95% CI=6.

7-13.2%) were HBsAg positive, while 4 (1.2%; 95% CI=0.03-2.4%) were HCV Ab positive.

Patients with hepatitis B coinfection were more likely to be 200 IU/L) was uncommon and did not differ between the two groups (3.4% vs.2.3%; P=0.5).

We were unable to determine predictors of hepatitis C infection due to the low prevalence of disease.Conclusions: HIV and hepatitis B coinfection was common among Sanitary Pants patients initiating ART at this tertiary care facility.Routine screening for hepatitis B should be considered for HIV-infected persons in southern Africa.