Hepatitis B virus exposure among adolescents living with HIV: a cross-sectional study of samples referred to the national viral load and early infant diagnosis reference laboratory in Uganda.

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

SUBMITTER: Turyamubona A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12239310 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature