Hepatitis B virus and sexual behavior in Rakai, Uganda

[Guest guest]

J Med Virol. 2011 May;83(5):796-800. doi: 10.1002/jmv.22051.

Hepatitis B virus and sexual behavior in Rakai, Uganda.

Stabinski L, Reynolds SJ, Ocama P, Laeyendecker O, Serwadda D, Gray RH, Wawer M,

DL, Quinn TC, Kirk GD.

Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious

Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, land.

stabinskil@....

Abstract

HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection poses important public health

considerations in resource-limited settings. Demographic data and sera from

adult participants of the Rakai Health Sciences Program Cohort in Southwestern

Uganda were examined to determine HBV seroprevalence patterns in this area of

high HIV endemicity prior to the introduction of anti-retroviral therapy.

Commercially available EIAs were used to detect prevalent HBV infection

(positive for HBV core antibody [anti-HBc] and/or positive HBV surface antigen

[HBsAg]), and chronic infection (positive for HBsAg). Of 438 participants, 181

(41%) had prevalent HBV infection while 21 (5%) were infected chronically.

Fourteen percent of participants were infected with HIV. Fifty three percent

showed evidence of prevalent HBV infection compared to 40% among participants

infected with HIV (P = 0.067). Seven percent of participants infected with

HIV were HBsAg positive compared to 4% among participants not infected with HIV

(P = 0.403). The prevalence of prevalent HBV infection was 55% in adults

aged >50 years old, and 11% in persons under 20 years. In multivariable

analysis, older age, HIV status, and serologic syphilis were significantly

associated with prevalent HBV infection. Transfusion status and receipt of

injections were not significantly associated with HBV infection. Contrary to

expectations that HBV exposure in Uganda occurred chiefly during childhood,

prevalent HBV infection was found to increase with age and was associated

sexually transmitted diseases (HIV and syphilis.) Therefore vaccination against

HBV, particularly susceptible adults with HIV or at risk of HIV/STDs should be a

priority.

J. Med. Virol. 83:796-800, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

PMID: 21412787 [PubMed - in process]

[Guest guest]

J Med Virol. 2011 May;83(5):796-800. doi: 10.1002/jmv.22051.

Hepatitis B virus and sexual behavior in Rakai, Uganda.

Stabinski L, Reynolds SJ, Ocama P, Laeyendecker O, Serwadda D, Gray RH, Wawer M,

DL, Quinn TC, Kirk GD.

Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious

Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, land.

stabinskil@....

Abstract

HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection poses important public health

considerations in resource-limited settings. Demographic data and sera from

adult participants of the Rakai Health Sciences Program Cohort in Southwestern

Uganda were examined to determine HBV seroprevalence patterns in this area of

high HIV endemicity prior to the introduction of anti-retroviral therapy.

Commercially available EIAs were used to detect prevalent HBV infection

(positive for HBV core antibody [anti-HBc] and/or positive HBV surface antigen

[HBsAg]), and chronic infection (positive for HBsAg). Of 438 participants, 181

(41%) had prevalent HBV infection while 21 (5%) were infected chronically.

Fourteen percent of participants were infected with HIV. Fifty three percent

showed evidence of prevalent HBV infection compared to 40% among participants

infected with HIV (P = 0.067). Seven percent of participants infected with

HIV were HBsAg positive compared to 4% among participants not infected with HIV

(P = 0.403). The prevalence of prevalent HBV infection was 55% in adults

aged >50 years old, and 11% in persons under 20 years. In multivariable

analysis, older age, HIV status, and serologic syphilis were significantly

associated with prevalent HBV infection. Transfusion status and receipt of

injections were not significantly associated with HBV infection. Contrary to

expectations that HBV exposure in Uganda occurred chiefly during childhood,

prevalent HBV infection was found to increase with age and was associated

sexually transmitted diseases (HIV and syphilis.) Therefore vaccination against

HBV, particularly susceptible adults with HIV or at risk of HIV/STDs should be a

priority.

J. Med. Virol. 83:796-800, 2011. © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

PMID: 21412787 [PubMed - in process]