Journal of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases

en CD4+ T-Lymphocyte Counts, HBeAg Status, and Hepatic Transaminase Levels in Asymptomatic HBsAg-Positive Individuals in Sokoto, Nigeria Infectious diseases and public health Infectious diseases and public health Original article Original article <div style="text-align: justify;">Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection causes cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Asymptomatic HBsAg-positive individuals often remain undetected, with disease progression depending on viral replication and host immunity. This study assessed CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts, HBeAg status, and hepatic transaminases in asymptomatic HBsAg-positive individuals in Sokoto, Nigeria. Methods: This cross-sectional study screened 430 individuals during World Hepatitis Day at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital. HBsAg-positive individuals (confirmed by ELISA) were assessed for HBeAg, ALT, AST (spectrophotometry), and CD4+ counts (Partec CyFlow counter). Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Student's t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Results: Of 430 individuals, 52 (12.1%) were HBsAg-positive with mean age 31 ± 7 years. Among these, 6 (11.5%) were HBeAg-positive, 7 (13.5%) had elevated ALT, and 4 (7.7%) had elevated AST. Mean CD4+ counts were significantly lower in HBeAg-positive individuals (366 ± 72 cells/mm³) compared to HBeAg-negative individuals (717 ± 234 cells/mm³; P < 0.0001). Ten participants (19.2%) had CD4+ counts below 500 cells/mm³, with 3 (5.8%) showing advanced immunosuppression (200–350 cells/mm³). No significant differences existed between sexes or age groups. HBeAg positivity was significantly higher among underweight individuals (42.9%) versus normal BMI (2.9%; P = 0.007). Predominant risk factors were tattooing (42.3%) and family history (36.5%). Conclusion: HBeAg positivity and elevated transaminases indicate active viral replication and hepatocellular injury among asymptomatic carriers. The significant association between HBeAg positivity and reduced CD4+ counts suggests impaired immune responses. Tattooing and family history as major risk factors highlight traditional practices and perinatal transmission routes. These findings emphasize the need for targeted screening programs and interventions to identify and manage asymptomatic HBV carriers in Nigeria. </div>   HBV infection, HBsAg, HBeAg, CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts, Hepatic transaminases, Asymptomatic carriers, Nigeria 274 281 http://jommid.pasteur.ac.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-571-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Bello Hali bbhali298@yahoo.com 0000-0003-3724-1329 Yes Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria Abdulmumini Yakubu yakubuabdulmumini@gmail.com 0000-0002-4014-416X No Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria Halima Yunusa Raji limaraj2000@yahoo.com 0000-0002-5791-325X No Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria Umar Muhammed Ango grangoos@yahoo.om 0009-0001-5627-9261 No Department of Community Health, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria