Abstract

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Hepatitis E is an emerging viral disease causing acute hepatitis worldwide which may result into a chronic hepatitis especially in immunocompromised individuals. The study determined the prevalence of Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection in Kano State. One hundred and eighty (180) subjects were enrolled for the study and their sera were screened for Hepatitis E Virus Antigen using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA- Wantai Diagnostics, Beijing). Twelve (6.7%) were found to be positive for HEV antigen comprising 7 (58.3%) males and 5 (41.7%) females (p<0.05) and was common among subjects aged 35-44 years old (41.7%). Preponderance of HEV antigen was also found among subjects with primary school level of education 5 (41.7%), entrepreneurs 8 (66.7%), those with HIV duration of 3-5 years 8 (66.7%), those on the first line of antiretroviral treatment (ART) 10 (83.3%) or used borehole as a source of water 8 (66.7%). The study provided evidence that HEV is present among people living with HIV in Kano State. There is need to intensify enlightenment campaign among the populace about the disease so as to limit its spread in the community.

Keywords: Hepatitis E virus, HIV/AIDS, Kano