Seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV infection in Patients with Haematological Malignancies seen at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Viruses are implicated in the etiopathogenesis of malignancies. There is a high risk of reactivation of latent viral infections in persons with HMs. The sero-prevalence of some of these virus has not been reported in our environment. Objective: To determine the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV in subjects with HMs; to establish if any its association with specific HMs and blood transfusion history. Method: This is an ambispective study conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. Fifty one patients with HMs were recruited for this study. Data on demographics, daignosis of HMs and transfusion history was obtained with an interviewer administered questionnaire. Sample was collected and analyzed for HBV, HCV and HIV status using rapid kit tests. Results were analyzed with SPSS version 16. Result: The subjects included 30 (58.8%) males and 21 (41.2%) females. The median age of the participants was 48 years. Non Hodgkins lymphoma and CLL are the commonest HMs in this centre. The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV were 9.8%, 2% and 2% respectively. HBV seropositivity was associated with NHL (p value =0.013). The odd of HBV seropositivity with blood transfusion prior to diagnosis is high (5.5). Conclusion: The seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV in subjects with HMs seen in UBTH, Benin City were 9.8%, 2% and 2% respectively. HBV seropositivity was significantly associated with NHL.