Hepatitis B virus and sexual behavior in Rakai, Uganda
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Date
2011
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of medical virology
Abstract
HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection poses important public health considerations in
resource-limited settings. Demographic data and sera from adult participants of the Rakai Health
Sciences Program Cohort in Southwestern Uganda were examined to determine HBV
seroprevalence patterns in this area of high HIV endemicity prior to the introduction of
antiretroviral therapy. Commercially available EIAs were used to detect prevalent HBV infection
(positive for HBV core antibody [anti-HBc] and/or positive HBV surface antigen [HBsAg]), and
chronic infection (positive for HBsAg). Of 438 participants, 181 (41%) had prevalent HBV
infection while 21 (5%) were infected chronically. Fourteen percent of participants were infected
with HIV. Fifty three percent showed evidence of prevalent HBV infection compared to 40%
among participants infected with HIV (p=0.067). Seven percent of participants infected with HIV
were HBsAg positive compared to 4% among participants not infected with HIV (p=0.403). The
prevalence of prevalent HBV infection was 55% in adults aged >50 years old, and 11% in persons
under 20 years. In multivariable analysis, older age, HIV status and serologic syphilis were
significantly associated with prevalent HBV infection. Transfusion status and receipt of injections
were not significantly associated with HBV infection. Contrary to expectations that HBV exposure
in Uganda occurred chiefly during childhood, prevalent HBV infection was found to increase with
age and was associated sexually transmitted diseases (HIV and syphilis.) Therefore vaccination
against HBV, particularly susceptible adults with HIV or at risk of HIV/STDs should be a priority.
Description
Keywords
Hepatitis B virus HBV, HIV, Sexual transmission, Uganda, Africa
Citation
Stabinski, L., Reynolds, S. J., Ocama, P., Laeyendecker, O., Serwadda, D., Gray, R. H., ... & Kirk, G. D. (2011). Hepatitis B virus and sexual behavior in Rakai, Uganda. Journal of medical virology, 83(5), 796-800. doi:10.1002/jmv.22051.