Hepatitis B and C Virus Co-Infection and Their Association With Liver Disease in Persons With HIV in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: The burden of chronic viral hepatitis among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) and its association with liver disease in Nigeria has been seldom explored. Our objective was to compare characteristics in PLWH with and without significant liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, examining its association with viral hepatitis and other risk factors. Methods: Cross-sectional study among PLWH with and without significant fibrosis/cirrhosis (transient elastography ≥ 9.3 kPa) between July 2018 and August 2022. Data were compared between participant groups and logistic regression used to determine association between chronic viral hepatitis and significant fibrosis/cirrhosis. Results: Five hundred and thirty-seven participants (34.3% male), median age 46 years, 22.2% with significant fibrosis/cirrhosis were analyzed. Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was 11.2% and hepatitis C virus (HCV) 5.7%. Male sex, diabetes, HBV, and HCV were associated with significant fibrosis/cirrhosis, while ART for >5 years was associated with reduced risk. Conclusion: The chronic hepatitis viruses are associated with significant liver fibrosis/cirrhosis in PLWH in Nigeria, highlighting the importance of viral hepatitis awareness, screening, and treatment in HIV programs to reduce the risk of liver disease. Plain Language Summary Hepatitis B and C infection and liver disease in people with HIV infection in Nigeria People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection who have hepatitis B or C infection have a higher chance of developing advanced liver disease than those who do not have either of the hepatitis infections. This finding highlights the importance of awareness, screening, and treatment of the hepatitis viruses in HIV programs in order to reduce the risk of liver disease in this population.