Abstract:
Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) sero-discordant couples are at risk of transmitting HIV, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) to each other. Hepatitis C Virus and Hepatitis B Virus are common among HIV-infected persons in Africa. There are many HIV sero-discordant couples in Kenya who are at risk of transmitting to each other STIs including HIV, HCV and HBV due to shared modes of transmission. Although infection with HCV and HBV is common among HIV-infected persons, their prevalence and risk factors and relationship to HIV infection are not well characterized among HIV-discordant couples in Kenya. This cross-sectional study evaluated the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection and associated risk factors among 270 heterosexual HIV sero-discordant couples. Written informed consent was obtained prior to enrollment of study subjects. Serum samples and data from questionnaires at baseline were obtained from the Phase III randomized placebo-controlled trial of acyclovir for Herpes Simplex Virus-2 (HSV-2) suppression to prevent HIV transmission ssssamong HIV sero-discordant couples site in Kisumu County. Hepatitis B surface antibody and anti-HCV antibody testing was conducted using third generation HBV and HCV Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs). The serum samples were analyzed for Hepatitis B surface antigen, antibodies to Hepatitis B core antigen and HCV Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies. STATA statistical software was used for analyzing the data. Chi-square was used to assess the association among categorical variables while independent t test was to assess the difference in groups with continuous outcome. The prevalence of HBV and HCV was not associated with age, gender, income, education, number of children or years lived together and use of contraception. Among the HIV-1 discordant couples studied, 397 (74.9%) of the couples did not have HBV or HCV infection, 88 (16.6%) had HCV mono-infection, 45 (8.5%) had HBV mono-infection and 9 (1.7%) had HCV/HBV/HIV co-infection. Hepatitis C Virus prevalence was associated with the HIV-1 infection. Since the prevalence of HBV was above that of the general population such as blood donors, HBV prevention measures should be encouraged among HIV-1 sero-discordant couples to reduce HBV transmission rates among couples. All HIV-1 positive patients should be tested for both HBV and HCV, since HIV positive patients are likely to have HBV or HCV co-infection.
