Evidence of Co and Triple Infections of Hepatitis B and C Amongst HIV Infected Pregnant Women in Buea, Cameroon

Abstract

OBJECTIVES. Little data is available on the prevalence of HIV; Hepatitis B and C; Co-and or triple infection during pregnancy in Cameroon as well as many other resource limited settings. HIV and Hepatitis B and C are major public health concerns world wide. Our study aimed at assessing the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C amongst HIV infected pregnant women in Buea; located in the Southwest region of Cameroon. METHODS. A cross-sectional study of consented pregnant women were conducted from March 2015 to August 2015. HIV-1 infections were detected using the national HIV-1 test algorithms. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg); anti-HBe and anti- Hepatitis C (anti-HCV) were detected using Enzyme linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs). RESULTS. Our study group had an HIV prevalence rate of 7.8% (N = 97 / 1230). Of the HIV-1 positive group; 14 women (17.5%; N = 97) were co-infected with HBV and 11 (11.3%; N = 97) were co-infected with HCV. 8 (8.2%; N = 97) were triple infected with HIV; HBV and HCV. Anti-HBe was detected in all 14 HBV-infected pregnant women (100% N= 14) (14/14;(95%CI: 65.8; 100%). CONCLUSION. Co- and triple infections of HIV;Hepatitis B and C were present amongst pregnant women in Buea. Epidemiological data generated from this study are limited due to the existence of triple infected. It will nevertheless serve as a guide to the government policies to reinforce screening; treatment and prevention strategies; through its Mother-to-Child-transmission (pMTCT) Programme nationwi