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Updated: Mar 1, 2026
Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection
Published on: December 15, 2023
Changes in viral hepatitis B screening practices over time in West African HIV clinics
P A Coffie1, A Patassi2, A Doumbia3
1Département de dermatologie et d'infectiologie, UFR des sciences médicales, université Félix-Houphouët Boigny, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire; Service des maladies infectieuses et tropicales, centre hospitalier universitaire de Treichville, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire; Programme PACCI, site ANRS Côte d'Ivoire, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire.
Insights
Hepatitis B screening in West African HIV patients increased from 10.6% to 18.9% between 2010-2012. Older age and income-generating activities predicted screening, but overall rates remain low.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Virology
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant co-morbidity in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected individuals.
- Co-infection with HBV and HIV can lead to accelerated liver disease progression and increased mortality.
- Effective screening and management strategies are crucial for this vulnerable population in resource-limited settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate trends in hepatitis B screening practices among HIV-infected patients in West Africa over a three-year period.
- To identify demographic and socioeconomic factors associated with hepatitis B screening in this population.
- To assess the prevalence of hepatitis B infection among screened patients.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective medical chart review was conducted across urban HIV treatment centers in five West African countries: Ivory Coast, Benin, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Togo.
- 100 patients initiating antiretroviral therapy (ART) between 2010 and 2012 were randomly selected annually from each participating clinic.
- Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory results were collected, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of screening.
Main Results:
- A total of 2097 patients were included; 14.9% were screened for hepatitis B.
- Screening rates increased significantly from 10.6% in 2010 to 18.9% in 2012 (P<0.001), with notable inter-country variations.
- Predictors of screening included age over 45 years (aOR: 1.34) and having an income-generating activity (aOR: 1.82).
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity was found in 19.8% of screened patients, with 82.3% receiving tenofovir-based ART.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis B screening rates among HIV-infected patients in West Africa were suboptimal between 2010 and 2012.
- The rising availability of rapid HBsAg tests and tenofovir in first-line ART regimens offers a promising opportunity to enhance screening coverage.
- Continued efforts are needed to improve screening uptake and ensure timely management of HBV/HIV co-infection.
Background:
We aimed to describe changes in hepatitis B screening practices over a 3-year period among HIV-infected patients in West Africa.
Methods:
A medical chart review was conducted in urban HIV treatment centers in Ivory Coast (3 sites), Benin, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Togo (1 site each). Among patients who started antiretroviral treatment between 2010 and 2012, 100 per year were randomly selected from each clinic. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data was collected using a standardized questionnaire. We assessed changes in the proportion of patients screened over time and identified predictors of screening in a multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
A total of 2097 patients were included (median age: 37 years, 65.4% of women). Overall, 313 (14.9%) patients had been screened for hepatitis B, with an increase from 10.6% in 2010 to 18.9% in 2012 (P<0.001) and substantial differences across countries. In multivariable analysis, being aged over 45 years (adjusted odds ratio: 1.34 [1.01-1.77]) and having an income-generating activity (adjusted odds ratio: 1.82 [1.09-3.03]) were associated with screening for hepatitis B infection. Overall, 62 HIV-infected patients (19.8%, 95% confidence interval: 15.5-24.7) were HBsAg-positive and 82.3% of them received a tenofovir-containing drug regimen.
Conclusion:
Hepatitis B screening among HIV-infected patients was low between 2010 and 2012. The increasing availability of HBsAg rapid tests and tenofovir in first-line antiretroviral regimen should improve the rates of hepatitis B screening.
