Abstract |
33.3m people were estimated to be infected with HIV globally. Out of which 22.5m were in subSaharan Africa and about 3m in Nigeria. In Plateau state, there was a continuous decline in HIV prevalence rates from 11.3%-3.35% (2001 to 2008) recorded and a sharp rise to 7.7% in 2010. Hepatitis B/C virus infection with a prevalence of 15.1% and 6.0% are endemic in Nigeria which could lead to chronic liver cirrhosis and cancer with high mortality and morbidity rates. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and coinfection rates of HIV, Hepatitis B and C in a rural community setting of Plateau State. After counselling and obtaining consent from 250 participants, screening for HIV, HBsAg and Anti-HCV was done. WHO/CDC national algorithm of serial testing was employed for HIV antibody. Determination of HBsAg and Anti-HCV were done using rapid test kits. Of the 250 screened specimens, 6(2.4%) were positive for HIV, 55(22.0%) for HBsAg and 31(12.4%) for Anti-HCV respectively. Coinfection rates of HIV/HBsAg/Anti-HCV was 1(0.4%),HIV/HBsAg was 2(0.8%) and HBsAg/Anti-HCV was 6(2.4%).For HIV, both sexes were equally affected with prevalence of 1.2% each, while for HBsAg the males showed higher prevalence of 34(13.6%) than the females 21 (8.4%).However, the prevalence of Anti-HCV was higher in the females with 18(7.2%) than in the males 13(5.2%).The highest prevalence rates of HIV/HBsAg/Anti-HCV were observed in the age group of 20- 39(2.0%);10-39(17.6%); 30-59(8.4%). Significant P. values of 0.07, 0.9 (1.0 appx) and 0.02 for HIV, HBsAg and Anti-HCV were observed in this study. From this study, the Langtang South HIV prevalence rate has dropped from 9.7% reported in 2008 to 2.4% which is lower than the National HIV prevalence rate reported for rural settings in North Central Zone of Nigeria. This may be attributed to numerous interventions, policies, actions towards universal access to HIV prevention, treatment and care. However, the high rates of Hepatitis B/C virus may warrant focusing on adequate care and treatment of infected individuals. |