Prevalence of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Co-Infection and Alanine Transferase Levels in HIV-Positive Children at Faith Alive Foundation and PMTCT Centre Jos

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C co-infection with HIV and the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels among children receiving antiretroviral therapy in a secondary health facility in Jos, North Central Nigeria. Methodology: A cross-sectional study of 120 HIV/AIDS children was conducted at Faith Alive Foundation Hospital and PMTCT Centre Jos from August to November, 2022. Results: Data from 120 HIV infected children were included; the median age was 12.0 years; 45.8% were males, 96.7% were perinatally infected, all the children were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 10.3% had unsuppressed viral load. The prevalence of hepatitis B co-infection was 0.8% (1/120) while hepatitis C co-infection was not found in any of the participants. The median ALT was 19.0 IU/L and 7.5% of the participants had elevated values. There was no significant relationship between elevated ALT and HIV-Hepatitis co-infection. Having a viral load >1000 copies/ml and WHO clinical staging were significantly associated with an elevated ALT. Conclusion: In conclusion, our findings indicate a low frequency of HIV/hepatitis B and C co-infection in the studied group. ALT abnormalities, while unrelated to hepatitis infection, do develop in HIV-infected children, particularly with increasing viral load, highlighting the importance of monitoring these parameters.