Impact of HIV and Hepatitis B Virus Coinfection on Selected Haematological Markers of the Patients in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

The study was done to determine impact of HIV/HBV co infection on selected haematological markers of the patients. The study was done in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. One hundred and eighty six subjects were recruited for the study. Eighty (80) subjects were HIV positive patients and twenty six subjects were HIV/HBV co infected patients. Thirty subjects were HBV subjects, fifty subjects were the control. All the subjects were selected from the two hospitals. Two milliliters (2.5 mL) of venous blood was collected following aseptical techniques from each subject into EDTA anticoagulated containers for the CD4 count and Full blood count. Two different HIV screening kits were used (determine and Unigold test kits) for the detection of HIV-seropositivity following serial algorithm. One step Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) test strip method. The CD4+ T cells were determined using Pactec cyflow method. The result showed significant increase (P<0.05) in all the parameters studied when compared among the HIV monoinfected patients and HIVHBV co infected patients. There was significant decrease (P<0.05) in CD4+ T cells of the HIV-HBV co infected subjects compared to HIV monoinfected subjects. The result equally showed significant decrease in CD4 +T cells of the males compared to the females. Every other haematological markers studied showed significant decrease (P<0.05) except absolute lymphocyte when compared based on gender. It shows that HBV infection to HIV positive patients is dangerous and should be prevented. HIV positive persons should be counseled to avoid illicit and unprotected sexual intercourse and other ways that could expose them to the transmission of HBV because of the adverse effects on their health status.

Author(s):

Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi, Onyenweaku FC, Nwobodo HA, Ochei KC, Ochiabuto Ogochukwu MTB, Onwuasoanya Uche Francisca, Nwankwo Chinelo Jacinta and Unaeze Bright Chukwuebuka

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