Assessment of HIV, tuberculosis and hepatitis co-infections among underserved populations in Nigeria
1 Department of Microbiology, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria.
2 Department of Strategic Information Monitoring and Evaluation, APIN Public Health Initiative, Abuja, Nigeria.
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2019, 04(02), 227-237
Publication history:
Received on 12 November 2019; revised on 19 December 2019; accepted on 24 December 2019
Abstract:
Background: Co-infections of HIV with tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, especially among underserved populations with limited healthcare access. These co-infections exacerbate disease progression, complicate treatment, and increase healthcare costs. This study assessed the prevalence, sociodemographic patterns, and immunological status of HIV-positive patients with TB, HBV, and HCV co-infections among underserved populations in Nigeria.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using patient records from the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) between 2015 and 2019. Data included HIV status, TB, HBV, and HCV co-infection status, sociodemographic characteristics, and CD4 counts. Fisher’s exact test was used to assess associations between variables, with statistical significance set at p<0.05.
Results: Among 840,200 people living with HIV (PLHIV), HIV/TB co-infection prevalence was 19.0%, HIV/HBV was 12.5%, and HIV/HCV was 10.2%. HIV/TB co-infection was most common in males aged ≥35 years, while HIV/HBV was highest in the 29–34-year age group. HIV/HCV co-infection prevalence increased with age, peaking in those aged ≥35 years. Approximately 30% of co-infected patients had CD4 counts <200 cells/mm³, indicating advanced immunosuppression. No significant differences in co-infection prevalence were observed across educational level, occupation, or residence type (p>0.05).
Conclusion: The high burden of HIV/TB, HIV/HBV, and HIV/HCV co-infections among underserved populations in Nigeria underscores the need for integrated screening, early diagnosis, and prompt treatment initiation. Policies should focus on expanding CD4 and viral load monitoring, integrating hepatitis testing into HIV care, and addressing late presentation to improve patient outcomes.
Keywords:
HIV; Tuberculosis; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis C; Co-infection; Underserved populations; Nigeria; CD4 count
Full text article in PDF:
Copyright information:
Copyright © 2019 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0