Sero-prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis B and C viral infection in HIV infected children seen at the University Teaching Hospital, Department of Paediatrics and child health, Lusaka,Zambia

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV are well reported in numerous studies from Europe and America, but there are few data on the prevalence of co-infection in African populations including Zambia. Methods: In this cross-section study, we screened HIV positive children for Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C antibody (HCV) seen at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Paediatric Centre Of Excellence(PCOE). Basic demographic data, Medical history and laboratory data were collected to determine possible risk factors to viral Hepatitis disease and HIV co-infection Results: A total of 187 participants were recruited over a period of six months, from August 2014 to January 2015. There were 98 males (52.4%) and 89 females (47.6%). The median age was 9 years (IQR 1.7, 15).Out of all the children recruited, 126 children had received the three required doses of Viral Hepatitis B vaccines according to our national protocal. Overall, 5.9% (11/187) of the analyzed blood samples had HBsAg positive results and 0.5% (1/187) had HCV antibody positive.Among those that had received HBV vaccine,4.7% (6/128) tested positive to HepBsAg test and 8.5% (5/59)of the non-immunized had HBV infection. After logistic regression, only AST serum level was associated with Hepatitis B Viral infection. However in clinical practice the AST levels were not significant since they were within normal ranges. The Viral Hepatitis infections were not associated with any history of Blood transfusion, scarification, or sexual history. Conclusion:HBV infection in HIV infected children seen at PCOE is common at 5.9%, which falls in medium endemic area and HCV infection is low at 0.5% prevalence.