Serological prevalence of Herpes Simplex Virus, Syphilis, and H. pylori co-infections amongst HIV-infected individuals receiving care in a secondary healthcare facility in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori is a widespread pathogen that significantly contributes to dyspeptic disease and gastric cancer. There are conflicting prevalence patterns of H. pylori in HIV-1-infected patients. Although the interaction between HIV and H. pylori infection is not well investigated, previous studies have suggested a decreased prevalence of H. pylori and the limited effectiveness of eradication treatment in HIV-positive individuals. Therefore, this study aimed to describe the serological prevalence of HIV/HSV, HIV/Syphilis, and HIV/H. pylori co-infection among HIV-infected individuals receiving care in a secondary healthcare facility in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. In the study, 100 HIV-infected individuals were screened for HSV, syphilis and H. pylori co-infections. Co-infections were 0.0% for HIV/HSV, 0.0% for HIV/Syphilis and 58.0% for HIV/Helicobacter pylori. Higher prevalence of HIV/H. pylori co-infection occurred among the age group <20-40 (59.5%), males (59.5%), unemployed (100.0%), Ahaoda, Eleme and Etche LGAs, and high CD4 counts of 200-349 and >350 cells/µl (58.3%) compared to other categories. This study confirmed the absence of HSV and syphilis among these participants. It further indicated that co-infection of HIV/H. pylori were high (58.0%), although the underlying mechanisms remained unknown. However, the H. pylori co-infection in HIV-infected individuals was associated (P>0.05) with CD4+ cell counts and any socio-demographic variables evaluated. However, more studies are needed on these patients in Rivers State, Nigeria, to evaluate the infection rate further.