Prevalence of Hepatitis D Virus (HDV) in HBV/HIV Co-Infected Patients in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) requires co-infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) shares transmission routes with these viruses. HDV infection increases liver complications compared to HBV alone, especially in HIV-positive people. Although vaccinations and antiviral medications are available, over 1 million individuals worldwide die from HBV-related illnesses each year, which may also co-infect with HDV. Examining HDV infection in HBV/HIV co-infected individuals would provide important epidemiological information for improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional study, data for this study were collected from 206 consenting individuals receiving treatment for HIV/AIDs at Oyo State General Hospital, Ogbomoso. Also, blood samples were collected from each participant and the plasma was used to determine status of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HDV antibody using ELISA techniques. In this study, 16/206, 7.8% were HBsAg positive among the PWH. While the prevalence of HDV IgG and HDV IgM antibodies among HBV/HIV individual was 7.8% and 0% respectively. The HDV IgG antibodies were found higher among females, individuals between 37-54 years and those with no or little education. The seroprevalence of HDV IgG antibodies at 7.8% indicates that HDV exposure is relatively uncommon in this group, but not insignificant. Although 0% seroprevalence of HDV IgM says no acute or recent HDV infection among the participants as at the time of the study but monitoring for signs of active liver disease or viral reactivation in chronic carriers (IgG positive) is still important. Early and regular HBV screening, monitoring and management among HBV/HIV co-infected individuals are needed as preventing HBV serves as means for HDV prevention.