Hepatitis B virus sero-profiles and genotypes in HIV-1 infected and uninfected injection and Non-injection drug users from coastal Kenya

Abstract

BackgroundInformation about HBV sero-markers, infection stages and genotypes in HIV-1 infected and uninfected injection and non-injection drug users (IDUs) in Kenya remains elusive.MethodsA cross-sectional study examining HBV sero-marker, infection stages and genotypes was conducted among HIV-1 infected and uninfected, respectively, IDUs (n = 157 and n = 214) and non-IDUs (n = 139 and n = 48), and HIV-1 uninfected non-drug using controls (n = 194) from coastal, Kenya. HBV sero-marker and infection stages were based on HBV 5-panel rapid test plasma sero-reactivity. DNA was extracted from acute and chronic plasma samples and genotypes established by nested-PCR and direct sequencing.ResultsHBsAg positivity was higher in HIV-1 infected IDUs (9.6 %) relative to HIV-1 uninfected IDUs (2.3 %), HIV-1 infected non-IDUs (3.6 %), HIV-1 uninfected non-IDUs (0.0 %) and non-drug users (2.6 %; P = 0.002). Contrastingly, HBsAb positivity was higher in HIV-1 uninfected IDUs (14.6 %) and non-IDUs (16.8) in comparison to HIV-1 infected IDUs (8.3 %), and non-IDUs (8.6 %), and non-drug users (8.2 %; P = 0.023). HBcAb positivity was higher in HIV-1 infected IDUs (10.2 %) compared to HIV-1 uninfected IDUs (3.3 %), HIV-1 infected non-IDUs (6.5 %), HIV-1 uninfected non-IDUs (2.1 %) and non-drug users (4.6 %; P = 0.038). Acute (5.7 %, 1.4 %, 0.0 %, 0.0 % and 1.5 %) and chronic (5.1 %, 0.9 %, 3.6 %, 0.0 % and 1.5 %) stages were higher in HIV-1 infected IDUs, compared to HIV-1 uninfected IDUs, HIV-1 infected and uninfected non-IDUs and non-drug users, respectively. However, vaccine type response stage was higher in HIV-1 uninfected IDUs (15.4 %) relative to HIV-1 infected IDUs (6.4 %), and HIV-1 infected (6.5 %), and uninfected (10.4 %) non-IDUs, and non-drug users (5.7 %; P = 0.003). Higher resolved infection rates were also recorded in HIV-1 uninfected IDUs (11.2 %) compared to HIV-1 infected IDUs (8.3 %), and HIV-1 infected (7.2 %), uninfected (6.3 %) non-IDUs, and non-drug users (6.7 %; P = 0.479), respectively. Only A1 genotype showing minimal diversity was detected among the study participants.ConclusionHBV sero-markers and infection staging are valuable in diagnosis and genotyping of HBV infections. Among IDUs, higher HBsAg and HBcAb positivity in HIV-1 infected and higher HBsAb positivity in HIV-1 negative IDUs suggests frequent exposure. Additionally, HBV genotype A is the dominant circulating genotype in both high and low risk populations of Kenya.

Prevalence and Associated Factors of HBV Infections among HIV-Infected HAART Receiving Mothers and their Exposed Infants in Nairobi, Kenya

“…However, illiteracy has been shown to be associated HBV infection indicating lack of public health awareness/education amongst mothers [19]. Similarly, intravenous drug users (IDUs) were reported in a study to have a higher risk of HBV infection with HBsAg positivity of 9.6% in HIV-infected IDUs compared 3.6% in HIV-infected non-IDUs [9]. However, our study did not find any significant association between substance use and HBV infection.…”

“…a HBV prevalence of 9.6% among the IDUs. Also, body tattooing increased the risk of HBV infection six fold [9]. HBV screening in resource limited settings in HIV-infected mothers is rarely done despite the potential of transmission to their infants.…”

Anti‐HIV seropositivity was related to HBsAg seropositivity among injecting drug users in Taiwan

“…In addition, approximately 10% of the HIV‐infected population has concurrent chronic hepatitis B, and HBV‐HIV coinfection is more common in areas of high prevalences of both viruses. In countries in which the viruses are highly endemic [28], the rate can be as high as 25% [29], and in areas where HBV is less endemic (North America, Europe, and Australia), HBV and HIV are most often acquired during adolescence or adulthood through sexual transmission or injecting drug use. The prevalence of HIV–HBV coinfection in these regions is generally lower than 10% of the HIV‐infected population [30].…”

Erythrocyte indices, anaemia levels and types in Kenyan injection and non-injection substance users

“…In addition, CD4 + T-helper lymphocyte counts are decreased in HIV infection; with lower CD4-counts exhibited in HIV-infected persons compared to HIV-uninfected individuals. (52). Immune status is routinely based on CD4+ T-cell counts (53) Likewise, substance use has been associated with haematological and immune perturbations in HIV uninfected injection and non-injection substance users (26,54).…”