Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study was an assessment of the coinfection status of patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Lesotho, and this has been rarely reported. METHODS: This was a retrospective study, in a laboratory setting, on HBV/HIV coinfection among 304 HIV-positive patients who were screened for HBsAg in St Joseph's Hospital records between March 2011 and December 2013. Demographic characteristics, HIV status, indications for HBsAg screening, HBsAg results and liver function test results including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase were reviewed from the patient and laboratory registers. RESULTS: In this study 10.5% of 304 HIV-positive patients had HBV/HIV coinfection. With respect to gender, males had a significantly higher (p=0.048) rate of HBV/HIV coinfection in this study. Increased levels of ALT (p=0.013) and AST (p=0.014) were significantly associated with HBV/HIV coinfection status. CONCLUSION: Gender and liver function tests are important predictors for HBV/HIV coinfection. Screening for HBV coinfection in HIV-positive patients is recommended.