Molecular Detection of Hepatitis B Virus DNA in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infected-Patients in Khartoum - Sudan

Abstract

Since hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have the same modes of transmission, it is usual for them to infect the same host. This study was conducted at Bashair University Hospital during the period from April to July 2013, to detect HBV among HIV-infected individuals using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 87 subjects (n=87) were included in this observational, descriptive, case-study. The subjects were confirmed as HIV-positive by an ELISA assay, from ages ranged from 16-60 years, and from both sexes. From the study participants, serum samples were collected, and tested for HBsAg by a capture ELISA assay, and for HBV DNA by PCR. Out of the 87 people who took part in the study, 13 (14.9%) were positive for HBV DNA, while 14 (16.1%) were positive for HBsAg. Six people (6.9%) tested positive for both HBV DNA and HBsAg, and 7 people (8.0%) were found to have occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) (i.e. positive for HBV DNA, negative for HBsAg). From the above findings we concluded that, there is a high percentage of HBV/HIV coinfection in the Sudan. Also, there is a high percentage of OBI in HIV patients. Hence, we recommend the screening of HIV-positive subjects for HBV markers, and the use of HBV DNA as a marker of OBI in the same population.