title: Sero-prevalence and Correlates of Hepatitis B and C Co-infection Among HIV-infected Individuals in Two Regional Hospitals in Cameroon.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Liver disease related to Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infection has become a major cause of morbidity and mortality in HIV/AIDS patients. Data on the prevalence of HBV and HCV in Cameroon remains inconclusive.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to determine the sero-prevalence and correlates of Hepatitis markers in HIV/AIDS patients in two Regional Hospitals.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study carried out from December 2014 to March 2015. HIV/AIDS patients aged 21 were included and above, receiving care at HIV treatment centres. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected to screen for Hepatitis with HBsAg and anti HCV antibody rapid immunochromatographic test kits. Correlates of hepatitis were investigated by logistic regression. STATA was used for data analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We included 833 HIV/AIDS patients,78.8% (657) were female. Mean age was 44(SD 11) years. Prevalence of Hepatitis in general (total of two viral markers tested) was 8.9% (74/833), with 6.1% for HBsAg and 2.8% for Anti-HCV antibodies. From multivariate analysis, the likelihood of having hepatitis was independently increased by a history of surgical interventions [OR: 1.82(1.06-3.14)], and of sexually transmitted infections [OR: 2.20(1.04-4.67)].
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Almost one in ten participants with HIV/AIDS attending the BRH and LRH tested positive for either HBsAg or anti HCV antibodies. Screening for HBV and HCV should therefore be integrated to the existing guidelines in Cameroon as it can influence management. More studies are needed to evaluate the extent of liver disease and magnitude of HIV suppression in hepatitis and HIV coinfection in this setting.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Unit, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon; Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Henry Namme
authors.initials: HN
authors.lastname: Luma
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Unit, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon; Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Servais Albert Fiacre Bagnaka
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Eloumou
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Domin Sone Majunda
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Ekaney
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Unit, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Fernando Kemta
authors.initials: FK
authors.lastname: Lekpa
authors.affiliation: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, University of London, UK.
authors.forename: Olivier
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Donfack-Sontsa
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Unit, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon; Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Bertrand Hugo Mbatchou
authors.initials: BH
authors.lastname: Ngahane
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine Unit, Douala General Hospital, Douala, Cameroon; Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon.
authors.forename: Yacouba Njankouo
authors.initials: YN
authors.lastname: Mapoure
keywords: Cameroon; Correlates; HBV; HCV; HIV/AIDS; Prevalence; Screening