Susan Atieno Ogwai
Infections caused by Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection remain among the top ten most important health problems worldwide. HBV and HIV co-infection is common due to shared routes of transmission, which would modify the progression, manifestation or management of each of the infections. Although studies have been carried out among blood donors, and HBV genotypes established, this data on the seroprevalence of the co-infection remains insufficient in Kenya. Coupled with genetic diversity that drives disease outcome, there is need to monitor the diversity of HBV especially among HIV patients seeking medical intervention. This study intends to determine the seroprevalence and genetic diversity of HBV among HIV infected patients in Nyanza. Remnant plasma samples from Comprehensive Care Clinic (CCC) at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH), Kisumu will be used in this study. HIV screening test will be performed on all the samples using Determine kit according to Kenya government guidelines. Hepanostika ELISA kit will be used to determine the HBsAg from the HIV positive plasma samples. HBV DNA will be extracted from those found to be HBsAg positive, and on the HBsAg negative plasma to determine the prevalence of Occult Hepatitis B Infections (OBI) among HIV infected patients. PCR will be carried out on extracted DNA to amplify HBV preS1 region. PCR products will be directly sequenced using Big Dye chemistry on an automated ABI 310 sequencer. Molecular evolutionary genetic analysis will be done using Clustal W and Phylogenetic trees constructed using the neighborjoining method. Statistical analysis will be performed. Data generated will provide information on HBV genotypes among HIV infected patients and form a basis for future monitoring of HBV viral evolution and HBV infection in Kenya.