Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B Virus Co-infection in a Tertiary Care Hospital FromRural Area

Background: The Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are devastating viruses that share certain epidemiological characteristics such as risk population and transmission routes. Because of this, HIV positive individuals are at risk of co-infection with Hepatitis B virus. The reports show that co-infection by HIV/HBV causes increasedmorbidity and mortality as compared to HIV and HBV mono-infection.Objectives: The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus co-infection in HIV positive patients.Materials andMethods: A total of 1000 clinically suspected HIV infected cases attending the Sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic were selected. The blood samples were collected by taking all aseptic precautions. The serum samples were screened by Comb –AIDS test for HIV and confirmed as per National Aids Control Organization (NACO) guidelines and then HIV positive patients were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) marker by immunochromatographic test (Hepacard).Results:Out of 1000 clinically suspected cases, 348 (34.8%) were positive for HIV. Out of 348, 186(53.44%) were male and 162(46.55%) were females. Among a total of 348 HIV patients, six cases were found positive for HBsAg. Thus, HIV/HBV co-infection was detected in 1.72% cases in this study. Conclusion:The results indicate thatthe prevalence of co-infection in our area is comparatively lower as compared to other geographical areas.