Abstract
BACKGROUND: Adolescents living with HIV are vulnerable to hepatitis B coinfection. However, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) exposure and the persistence of childhood vaccine-induced HBV antibodies in this population remain unclear. This study assessed HBV exposure and the prevalence of protective Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (HBsAb) levels among adolescents living with HIV referred for viral load testing at the national reference laboratory in Uganda. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 405 archived plasma samples collected between January and September 2023 at Uganda National Health Laboratories and Diagnostic Services (UNHLDs). HBV exposure was determined via a 5-panel Vaxpert HBV combo cassette, and protective HBsAb levels were quantified via the Roche Cobas e411 system. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 15 ± 2.7 years, with 52.5% (212/405) being female. Among them, 8.7% (35/405) had an unsuppressed HIV viral load. The following HBV markers were detected: HBsAg (2.0%), HBsAb (24/405, 5.9%), HBeAg (2.2%), HBcAb (1.2%), and HBeAb (3.45%). Overall, 7% (28/405) had evidence of HBV exposure, including 11 (2.7%) with acute infection, 13 (3.2%) with chronic infection, and 4 (1%) with resolved infection. Vaccination-induced immunity (HBsAb-positive only) was found in 4.9% (20/405) of the participants. Of the 301 samples tested for HBsAb titers using the Cobas E411 system, only 49 (16.3%) had protective levels (≥ 10 IU/L), with a median titer of 77.7 IU/L (IQR: 18.43-589.2). All 24 samples that were qualitatively HBsAb-positive on the Vaxpert rapid test had protective titers, 21 of which were > 100 IU/L. Among 277 samples that were HBsAb-negative by the rapid test, 25 (9%) showed protective titers upon quantitative testing, highlighting potential false-negative results and suggesting limited sensitivity of the rapid assay. All the demographic and clinical factors available and assessed in this study population were not significantly associated with HBsAb levels. CONCLUSIONS: The low prevalence of protective HBsAb levels and evidence of HBV exposure highlight the ongoing risk of HBV infection in this population. Our findings suggest a need for Uganda to establish specific guidelines for HBV risk assessment, screening, and management among people living with HIV.