Hepatitis B Virus Infection Serology and the Associated Risk Factors Among Patients With HIV in Shiraz, Iran

Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) are transmitted through common routes; therefore, simultaneous infection with both viruses is common.. The current study aimed to determine HBV infection serological profile and the associated risk factors among HIV positive individuals in Shiraz..Patients and In this cross-sectional study, 186 HIV infected individuals above 18 years old, referring to Shiraz Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center from 2010 to 2011were enrolled. All participants were assessed for the serological status of HBV infection using Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis B surface antibody, Hepatitis B core antibody levels, and HBV Polymerase Chain Reaction.. A total of 186 HIV positive individuals eligible for analysis including 164 (88.2%) males and 22 (11.8%) females were selected for the study. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), Hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) and Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) were detected in 66 (35.5%), 62 (41.3%), and 39 (21%) subjects, respectively. HBV DNA was detected in 39 subjects (21%).. The current study showed that less than half of the HIV positive participants had evidence of previous exposure to HBV. Also, the risk of chronic HBV was higher in the subjects than the normal population. It is suggested to educate HIV positive individuals regarding prevention and transmission of other viral infections such as HBV, HCV, and compliance with their medication..