Vijayalakshmi Payala, Sreedevi Hanumantha, Pilli Hema Prakash Kumari,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (7-2015)
Abstract
Introduction: Occurrence of detectable amounts of viral antigen or viral particles in the blood of infected patients with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a significant characteristic of HBV infection. Detection of HBV antigen or its DNA among individuals of a community is a crucial factor to know the burden of HBV infection. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a suitable marker of HBV infection but a poor indicator of infectivity since its presence is not a direct measure of the presence of viable virions. Hence the tests for the detection of HBV DNA or HBsAg are used. The measurement of HBV DNA in serum has become the main tool to identify viral load, to monitor patients’ therapy and to predict whether antiviral therapy would be successful or not. Methods: The present study was designated to identify HBV infected individuals among adolescent age group by using combined methods namely, rapid immunoassay technique for HBsAg detection (HEPACARD) and Conventional Polymerase Chain reaction (PCR) analysis for HBV DNA detection. Results: Serum samples from 39 patients suspected of HBV infection were tested for the presence of HBsAg and HBV DNA. Eight specimens (20%) were positive for HBsAg as well as HBV DNA using PCR reaction. The ratio of spectrophotometric analysis of the extracted DNA samples was between 1.80-1.92 indicating a highly purified DNA. The gel electrophoresis of amplified PCR products of HBV DNA revealed a single 524 bp band in the test samples. Conclusion: Screening for HBV infection among adolescents by HEPACARD and further confirmation by PCR is recommended to monitor the progression of the disease and antiviral treatment.
Maryam Adam Ibrahim, James Hamuel Doughari,
Volume 12, Issue 3 (9-2024)
Abstract
Introduction: Viral hepatitis represents a significant challenge to public health worldwide. Women living with HIV are at heightened risk of co-infection with hepatitis B and C due to their increased risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens through medical interventions, potentially leading to severe health outcomes, including increased morbidity and mortality, and public health impacts through maternal transmission. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus co-infection among women living with HIV attending the ART clinic in Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital, Yola, Nigeria. These findings will inform the development and improvement of testing, vaccination, and treatment programs to enhance health outcomes and quality of life for this population. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2023 to September 2023 using a convenience sampling method to recruit 360 women aged 18 years and above attending the ART clinic. Data on socio-demographic characteristics and potential risk factors for HBV/HCV infection were collected with a structured questionnaire. The seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies was determined with Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) strips from Micropoint. Results: Among the 360 HIV-positive women tested, 9.2% (33) were co-infected with HBV, 2.2% (8) were co-infected with HCV, and 0.3% (1) had co-infection with HBV, HCV, and HIV. The prevalence of HBV co-infection was highest among women aged 39-48 (9.6%), while HCV co-infection was most prevalent in those aged 49 and above (3.4%). Logistic regression analysis showed that blood transfusion and having multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with HIV/HBV co-infection (P-value = 0.002). Conclusion: This study identified a notable prevalence of HBV (9.2%) and HCV (2.2%) co-infection among women living with HIV, underscoring the public health significance due to the potential for increased morbidity and mortality. Further studies should employ molecular techniques like PCR to confirm active infections and assess viral loads. This information is crucial for guiding treatment decisions and improving clinical outcomes for this vulnerable population.
