Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV-1 Coinfection in Two Informal Urban Settlements in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

BackgroundHIV-1 and Hepatitis B and C viruses coinfection is common in Sub-Saharan Africa due to similar routes of transmission and high levels of poverty. Most studies on HIV-1 and Hepatitis B and C viruses have occurred in hospital settings and blood transfusion units. Data on Hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV-1 coinfection in informal urban settlements in Kenya are scanty, yet they could partly explain the disproportionately high morbidity and mortality associated with HIV-1 infections in these slums.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis B and C dual infection in urban slums in Nairobi.MethodsBlood samples were collected from residents of Viwandani and Korogocho between 2006 and 2007. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data from participants. Samples were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV and anti-HIV-1. Statistical analysis was done using STATA.ResultsSamples were successfully collected from 418 (32%) men and 890 (68%) females. The HIV-1, HBV and HCV prevalence was 20.4%, 13.3% and 0.76% respectively at the time of the study. Of the 268 (20.4%) HIV-1 positive participants, 56 (4.26%) had HBV while 6 (0.46%) had HCV. Of the 1041 HIV-1 negative participants, 117 (8.9%) had HBV while 4 (0.31%) had HCV. Only two people (0.15%) were co-infected with all the three viruses together.DiscussionThe odds of getting hepatitis infection were higher in HIV-1 participants (for HBV OR 2.08,p<0.005 and for HCV OR 5.93, p<0.005). HIV prevalence rates were similar in both informal settlements. HIV infection was highest in age group 35-39 years and among the divorced/separated or widowed. Prevalence of all viruses was highest in those who did not have any formal education.ConclusionThe HIV prevalence in these informal settlements suggests a higher rate than what is observed nationally. The prevalence rates of HBV are significantly higher in the HIV-1 positive and negative populations. HCV as well as triple HIV-1, HBV and HCV coinfection are uncommon in Korogocho and Viwandani. This clearly indicates the need for HIV-1 control programmes and hepatitis B virus vaccination to be promoted through public awareness as preventive strategy.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with HIV and Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Co Infection in Children Attended at the Hubert Koutoukou Maga National University Teaching Hospital (CNHU-HKM) of Cotonou

“…Only one patient involved in the study presented with a triple co-infection. This result is similar to the one reported by other authors, thus confirming the scarcity of triple co-infection [16][17][18].…”

“…In this research work, HIV/HCV co-infection is low (0.4%). This result is close to the 0.46% rate reported by Kerubo et al in Kenya, and to the 0.7% rate reported by Chiekulie et al in Nigeria among adults [16,17]. Abera et al had reported a higher rate of 5.5% [5].…”

Sero-prevalence and Correlates of Hepatitis B and C Co-infection Among HIV-infected Individuals in Two Regional Hospitals in Cameroon

“…Prevalence rates of these HBV and HCV co-infections can vary according to the risk factors involved [35]. Such data is not always available in this setting.…”

Correlation of Quantitative Assay of HBsAg and Hepatitis B Virus DNA Levels Among Chronic HBV Patients Attending Pathologist Lancet Laboratory in Nairobi, Kenya

“…It is highly endemic in sub-Saharan Africa and East Asia, where approximately 5% to 10% of the adult population is chronically infected (4). In Kenya, the seroprevalence of HBsAg positivity is about 5% to 14% and the prevalence of HBV exposure is 20% to 70% (5,6). For this reason, treatment and follow-up of chronic HBV infection is crucial.…”

“…Molecular diagnostic methods have been used to quantify the levels of HBV DNA in serum as a marker of viral replicative activity (9). The detection and quantification of HBV DNA is reported to have prognostic value for the outcomes of acute and chronic HBV infections (6). However, HBV DNA quantification assays are molecular-based and expensive (9).…”