TITLE:
Outcomes of Newborns Exposed to Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Viral Hepatitis B Co-Infection Attended at A Referral Hospital in Abidjan
AUTHORS:
Marie Evelyne Dainguy, Evelyne Adjokoua Kouadio, Kouamé Cyprien Kouakou, Marie Hélène Aké-Assi-Konan, Angèle Kakou-Yédagne, Kouamé Hervé Micondo, Amah Madeleine Amorissani-Folquet
KEYWORDS:
Hepatitis B Virus, HIV, Co-Infection, Newborn, Antenatal Transmission, Abidjan
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.15 No.3,
April
24,
2025
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a public health problem worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of HIV/HBV co-infection in pregnant women and to determine the outcomes of exposed newborns. Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal descriptive study conducted from October 2016 to March 2019 (18 months) among HIV/HBV co-infected pregnant women and their newborns in the pediatrics department of Cocody University Hospital. Results: Of a total of 7210 parturients, 31 were co-infected with HIV/HBV, representing a frequency of 0.4%. The mean age of the mothers was 30 years. They were not immunized against HBV (100%). The HBV viral load was more than 106 IU/L in 32.3% of them and HIV status was discovered in the delivery room in 39% of cases. Newborns were premature (51.9%) and low birth weight was noted in 22% of cases. All newborns were immunized against hepatitis B before the 12th hour of life and received ARV prophylaxis before the 72nd hour. The outcome showed a mortality rate of 29%, and for alive infants, HIV serology was negative at 18 months of life and all of them were immunized against HBV. Conclusion: Early well-managed care leads to preventing mother-to-child transmission of these two diseases. However, further action needs to be taken in terms of prevention.