Prevalence and evolution of HIV/HBV co-infection at the Zinder National Hospital/Niger.

Abstract

Introduction: Coinfections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) constitute a public health problem. Objective : describe the elements of diagnosis and the evolution of HIV-HBV co-infection. Materials and Methods : This is a descriptive cross-sectional study from January 2011 to December 2021 in HIV-HBV co-infected patients, followed at the Zinder National Hospital (HNZ). Results : A total of 1410 people living with HIV (PLHIV) were monitored at the HNZ, of whom 91 were co-infected with HBV, either a prevalence of co-infection of 6.45%. The sex ratio was 1.16. Patients were married monogamous in 54.94% (n=50), without fixed income in 85.71% (n=78), residing in urban areas in 68% (n=62) and uneducated in 59.34% (n=54). The diagnosis was made at the stage of AIDS disease in 70.33% (n=64), with opportunistic conditions in 12.09% (n=11). Patients were infected with HIV1 in 98.9% (n=90). Immunosuppression was severe (<200 CD4/mm3) in 16.48% (n=15). HIV viral load was available in 18.68% (n=17). The patients did not benefit from an initial assessment for HBV. The treatment regimen combining tenofovir diproxil fumarate, lamivudine and effavirenz was used in 90.10% (n=82). Therapeutic compliance was poor in 64.84% (n=59). The evolution was marked by a mortality of 19.78% (n=18) and loss to follow-up of 28.57% (n=26). Conclusion : the diagnosis of HIV-HBV co-infection is very easy even in our regions with limited resources. The prevalence of this association does not appear to be very high. Poor treatment compliance is associated with high mortality despite well-codified management, hence the importance of raising patients' awareness before starting treatment.