Hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence among people living with HIV in a tertiary hospital in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) share transmission routes and may interact synergistically, accelerating liver disease and worsening HIV outcomes. This study assessed the prevalence and serological pattern of HBV infection among people living with HIV attending a tertiary health facility in Lagos, Nigeria, providing local evidence to inform integrated screening and prevention strategies.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 200 HIV-positive individuals aged 16–65 years attending a tertiary healthcare facility in Lagos, Nigeria, between January and June 2023. Participants recruited included 31 males and 169 females. Samples were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using a rapid immunochromatographic test strip. Additional markers (HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb) were assessed among HBsAg-positive individuals. Associations were tested using chi-square analysis with significance at p < 0.05, and prevalence estimates were reported with 95% confidence intervals.

Results: HBV/HIV co-infection prevalence was 5.5% (11/200; 95% CI: 2.3–8.7). Co-infection was higher among males, 8.2% (5/61), than among females, 3.6% (6/139), but the difference was not significant (χ² = 1.228, p = 0.268). Highest prevalence occurred among those aged 25–29 years (22.2%; 2/9) and 45–49 years (13.2%; 5/38), although age was not significantly associated with HBsAg positivity (χ² = 13.44, p = 0.062). Among HBsAg-positive participants tested with additional markers (n = 6), HBeAb was detected in four individuals. Dual profiles included HBeAg + HBeAb and HBeAb + HBcAb (each 16.7%).

Conclusions: HBV/HIV coinfection persists in this population, highlighting the need for routine HBV screening, vaccination, and integrated care programs.