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  <front>
    <journal-meta>
      <journal-id journal-id-type="publisher-id">aid</journal-id>
      <journal-title-group>
        <journal-title>Advances in Infectious Diseases</journal-title>
      </journal-title-group>
      <issn pub-type="epub">2164-2656</issn>
      <issn pub-type="ppub">2164-2648</issn>
      <publisher>
        <publisher-name>Scientific Research Publishing</publisher-name>
      </publisher>
    </journal-meta>
    <article-meta>
      <article-id pub-id-type="doi">10.4236/aid.2026.162023</article-id>
      <article-id pub-id-type="publisher-id">aid-151216</article-id>
      <article-categories>
        <subj-group>
          <subject>Article</subject>
        </subj-group>
        <subj-group>
          <subject>Medicine</subject>
          <subject>Healthcare</subject>
        </subj-group>
      </article-categories>
      <title-group>
        <article-title>Immunovirological Evaluation of Triple Antiretroviral Therapy Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) in HIV/HBV Co-Infected Patients in N’Djamena, Chad</article-title>
      </title-group>
      <contrib-group>
        <contrib contrib-type="author" corresp="yes">
          <contrib-id contrib-id-type="orcid">0009-0009-5627-8726</contrib-id>
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Abakar</surname>
            <given-names>Hidir Tidjani</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1">1</xref>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Fouda</surname>
            <given-names>Abderrazzack Adoum</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1">1</xref>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Ahmat</surname>
            <given-names>Ahmat Mahamat</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3">3</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Mahamat</surname>
            <given-names>Abakar Oumar</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1">1</xref>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Ferdinand</surname>
            <given-names>Djelassem</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1">1</xref>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Nodjikouambaye</surname>
            <given-names>Zita Aleyo</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff4">4</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Djonkreo</surname>
            <given-names>Lina</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1">1</xref>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Irobey</surname>
            <given-names>Youssouf Abdessalam</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1">1</xref>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Kotto</surname>
            <given-names>Abdel-Aziz Brahim</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3">3</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Mabrouk</surname>
            <given-names>Mahamat Abdramane</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3">3</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Nazaїr</surname>
            <given-names>Lombaye</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3">3</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Manah</surname>
            <given-names>Hassoumi</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff5">5</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Aguid</surname>
            <given-names>Mahamat Nour</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff3">3</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Fissou</surname>
            <given-names>Henry Yandai</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
        <contrib contrib-type="author">
          <name name-style="western">
            <surname>Chatté</surname>
            <given-names>Adawaye</given-names>
          </name>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff1">1</xref>
          <xref ref-type="aff" rid="aff2">2</xref>
        </contrib>
      </contrib-group>
      <aff id="aff1"><label>1</label> Faculty of Human Health Sciences, University of N’Djamena, N’Djamena, Chad </aff>
      <aff id="aff2"><label>2</label> Laboratory for Research, Diagnostics, and Scientific Expertise (Labo-REDES), University of N’Djamena, N’Djamena, Chad </aff>
      <aff id="aff3"><label>3</label> National Reference Laboratory for HIV and Hepatitis Control, N’Djamena, Chad </aff>
      <aff id="aff4"><label>4</label> National Reference University Hospital Center (CHU-RN), N’Djamena, Chad </aff>
      <aff id="aff5"><label>5</label> Chad-China Friendship University Hospital Center (CHU-ATC), N’Djamena, Chad </aff>
      <author-notes>
        <fn fn-type="conflict" id="fn-conflict">
          <p>The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.</p>
        </fn>
      </author-notes>
      <pub-date pub-type="epub">
        <day>01</day>
        <month>06</month>
        <year>2026</year>
      </pub-date>
      <pub-date pub-type="collection">
        <month>06</month>
        <year>2026</year>
      </pub-date>
      <volume>16</volume>
      <issue>02</issue>
      <fpage>295</fpage>
      <lpage>312</lpage>
      <history>
        <date date-type="received">
          <day>
          </day>
          <month>
          </month>
          <year>
          </year>
        </date>
        <date date-type="accepted">
          <day>
          </day>
          <month>
          </month>
          <year>
          </year>
        </date>
        <date date-type="published">
          <day>01</day>
          <month>06</month>
          <year>2026</year>
        </date>
      </history>
      <permissions>
        <copyright-statement>© 2026 by the authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc.</copyright-statement>
        <copyright-year>2026</copyright-year>
        <license license-type="open-access">
          <license-p> This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license ( <ext-link ext-link-type="uri" xlink:href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/</ext-link> ). </license-p>
        </license>
      </permissions>
      <self-uri content-type="doi" xlink:href="https://doi.org/10.4236/aid.2026.162023">https://doi.org/10.4236/aid.2026.162023</self-uri>
      <abstract>
        <p>HIV remains a major global public health problem. HIV infection alters the natural history of HBV and worsens the prognosis for patients with chronic hepatitis B. Since the advent of ARVs, chronic infection with the forgotten hepatitis B virus (HBV) has become relevant again in the population of people living with HIV (PLWH). Viral load plays a crucial role in patient classification and treatment initiation. This is a prospective longitudinal cohort; patient recruitment took place at the start of antiretroviral treatment (at treatment initiation), and the study lasted 6 months, from July 2025 to January 2026. The study population consisted of male and female patients over 18 years of age. It was carried out in patients co-infected with HIV/HBV and placed on TLD triple antiretroviral therapy. We included in the study, all Patients co-infected with HIV/HBV eligible for antiretroviral treatment of both sexes, followed at the CHU-RN, CHU-ATC and APMS. The VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease rapid test is an immunochromatographic assay that estimates full length CD4 protein associated with CD4+ T cells in human whole blood, and is directly correlated with CD4+ T cells levels. For the viral loads of HIV RNA and HBV DNA we used the BIOCENTRIC device. The extraction technique used was that recommended by BIOCENTRIC. For amplification, the main components of the Generic HIV viral loads and Generic HBV viral loads amplification Kits (BIOCENTRIC) were used. In total, 129 patients were included in the study, of whom 59.7% were women, i.e. a sex ratio of 0.67. The average age was 35 (±2) years (p = 0.036). Regarding the clinical stages, about 35.7% were at clinical stage I, 40.3% were at clinical stage II, and 20.2% were at clinical stage III. Regarding HBV DNA detectability, 97.7% were positive for detectable HBV DNA. The failure rate of CD4+ T lymphocytes ≤ 200 cells/µL was 65.9% at the start of antiretroviral treatment initiation at (M0); after 6 months (M6) of treatment the level of CD4 T Lymphocytes ≤ 200 cells/µL was 16.3%. The viral load RNA HIV was high (≥ 1000 copies/ml) at M0 (62.8%) followed by 13.2% after 3 months of treatment and 3.9% after 6 months of treatment in the population studied. The majority of participants in the study exhibited encouraging outcomes regarding viral load, with 6.2% viral loads below 1000 copies/ml at sixth month. The HBV DNA viral load is high ≥ 2000 IU/mL in 52.7% at the initiation of treatment at zero months (M0); after 3 months of treatment 7.0% and after 6 months of treatment 4.9%. The therapeutic regimen studied presents an efficacy profile and constitutes a relevant first-line option in the management of HIV/HBV co-infected patients in Chad. Nevertheless, prolonged longitudinal follow-up remains necessary in order to assess the durability of the virological response and the long-term evolution of hepatic parameters.</p>
      </abstract>
      <kwd-group kwd-group-type="author-generated" xml:lang="en">
        <kwd>Evaluation</kwd>
        <kwd>Viral Loads</kwd>
        <kwd>CD4</kwd>
        <kwd>TLD</kwd>
        <kwd>Co-Infection</kwd>
        <kwd>HIV</kwd>
        <kwd>HBV</kwd>
        <kwd>N’Djamena</kwd>
        <kwd>Chad</kwd>
      </kwd-group>
    </article-meta>
  </front>
  <body>
    <sec id="sec1">
      <title>1. Introduction</title>
      <p>HIV remains a major global public health problem, having killed an estimated 44.1 million people to date [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B1">1</xref>]. An estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2024, 65% of them in the WHO African Region [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B1">1</xref>].</p>
      <p>The abbreviation HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is a retrovirus that infects cells of the human immune system (particularly CD4+ T lymphocytes and macrophage cells essential to the cellular immune system) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B2">2</xref>].</p>
      <p>Hepatitis B constitutes a major public health problem. The WHO estimates that 254 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B in 2022 and there are 1.2 million new infections each year [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B3">3</xref>].</p>
      <p>The 95-95-95 intermediate targets were put in place in 2020 to renew efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. These interim targets for HIV indicate that by 2025: 95% of people living with HIV know their HIV status; 95% of people living with HIV who know their HIV status are on treatment and 95% of people living with HIV on treatment have a suppressed viral load [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B4">4</xref>].</p>
      <p>Antiretroviral treatment (ART) must be started as early as possible, as soon as detected, as soon as treated, but the most appropriate moment must be assessed individually, taking into account the most beneficial combination for the patient and weighing the advantages and disadvantages. At the end of 2022, the treatment success rate among people living with HIV on ART was 71% [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B5">5</xref>].</p>
      <p>A viral load is an indicator of how much Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is in the blood of an individual. Viral load gives an idea of how much of the HIV virus is in the patient’s body. The test measures the number of HIV copies in a milliliter of blood [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B6">6</xref>]. Viral load also predicts how fast the disease progresses [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B7">7</xref>].</p>
      <p>Next to viral load, an essential parameter to evaluate immunosuppression and monitor antiretroviral treatment (ART) response in people living with HIV (PLHIV) is the cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) cell count. Advanced HIV disease (AHD, defined as a CD4 cell count of &lt;200 cells/mL or meeting the criteria for WHO Stage 3 or 4 [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B8">8</xref>].</p>
      <p>HIV infection alters the natural history of HBV and worsens the prognosis for patients with chronic hepatitis B. It is associated with an increased risk of acute hepatitis B becoming chronic, thereby accelerating the progression of lesions such as fibrosis and the risk of developing complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B9">9</xref>]. </p>
      <p>Patients were considered HIV/HBV co-infected if they had documented HIV-1 seropositivity and HBsAg positivity or, failing that, HBV DNA detectability. Baseline ART status was defined as naïve (no prior treatment) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B10">10</xref>].</p>
      <p>In N’Djamena, Chad, according to a study conducted at three HIV treatment centres (APMS, CHU-RN and CHU-ATC), the prevalence of HIV/HBV co-infection was 6% [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B11">11</xref>].</p>
      <p>In cases of HIV/HBV co-infection in adults, adolescents, and children aged 3 years or older co-infected with HIV and HBV, the fixed-dose combination of Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Dolutegravir is the preferred option for starting triple antiretroviral therapy [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B12">12</xref>].</p>
      <p>Since the advent of ARVs, chronic infection with the forgotten hepatitis B virus (HBV) has become relevant again in the population of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Coinfection with HBV in the latter involves reactivation of HBV, due to the alteration of immunity induced by HIV infection [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B13">13</xref>]. Virological success is defined by reduced viral load or complete non-detectability depending on the sensitivity of the detection method. Highly sensitive real-time PCR assays now provide reliable quantification of serum HBV DNA. Measurement of HBV DNA is essential in the management of chronic HBV infection [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B14">14</xref>].</p>
      <p>The objective of this study is to evaluate the immuno-virological effectiveness of triple antiretroviral therapy based on TLD in HIV/HBV co-infected patients in N’Djamena, Chad.</p>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec2">
      <title>2. Materials and Methods</title>
      <sec id="sec2dot1">
        <title>2.1. Study Framework</title>
        <p>The study was conducted in N’Djamena at three HIV and hepatitis treatment centers, including the Psycho-Medical-Social Support Center (APMS), the Chad-China Friendship University Hospital Center (CHU-ATC), and the National Reference Hospital Center (CHU-RN). Laboratory analyses were carried out at the APMS Laboratory, which is the laboratory for the sectorial program to fight AIDS and hepatitis in Chad. </p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec2dot2">
        <title>2.2. Type and Period of Study</title>
        <p>This is a prospective longitudinal cohort, patient recruitment took place at the start of antiretroviral treatment ART (at treatment ART initiation), and the study lasted 6 months, from July 2025 to January 2026.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec2dot3">
        <title>2.3. Study Population</title>
        <p>The study population consisted of male and female patients over 18 years of age. All patients gave their consent after being informed of the objectives of the study and its importance. The study population consisted of patients suffering from HIV/HBV co-infection and followed in the three treatment sites (CHU-RN, CHU-ATC and APMS) for examinations of viral loads HIV-1, viral loads HBV and CD4+ T cells.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec2dot4">
        <title>2.4. Inclusion Criteria</title>
        <p>We included in the study, all Patients co-infected with HIV/HBV eligible for antiretroviral treatment of both sexes, followed at the CHU-RN, CHU-ATC and APMS. These patients were receiving on triple antiretroviral therapy based on Tenofovir + Lamivudine + Dolutegravir (TLD) and were followed for 6 months. All patients who agreed to participate in the study.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec2dot5">
        <title>2.5. Exclusion Criteria</title>
        <p>Children, and patients who are not willing or unable to take part in the study.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec2dot6">
        <title>2.6. Variables Studied</title>
        <p>The variables recorded in the data collection form include sociodemographic data (age, gender, marital status, educational level and occupation); stage HIV; immunological (CD4+ T Cells) and virological (virals loads HIV-1 RNA and HBV-DNA). A sample of venous blood was collected on EDTA two tubes of 4 ml each. Both tubes are agitated gently to mix the blood with the anticoagulant. The blood is centrifuged for 10 min at 2000 tg. Plasma was aliquoted into 3 cryo tubes of 2 ml (2 - 3 cryotubes were used according to the volume of plasma).</p>
        <p>2.6.1. Amplification Test for Quantification of HIV-1 RNA</p>
        <p><bold>1) Principle of the test:</bold>The GHIV-CV test is based on the principle of real-time RT-PCR, by the hydrolysis of an oligonucleotide detection probe labeled at 5' with an emitting fluorophore (“reporter”) and at 3' with a non-fluorescent suppressor group (“quencher”) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>].</p>
        <p><bold>2) Precautions for preparing reagents</bold></p>
        <p><bold>a)</bold><bold>Standards and controls:</bold> The 5 standards and the 2 controls can be refrozen after first use, thawed then used a second time without loss of activity [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>]. After the first use, it is recommended to prepare 250 μL aliquots of the 5 standards and the 2 controls in sterile nuclease-free microtubes. Recap the tubes with the appropriate caps and label each tube with the reagent name, lot number and expiration date [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>].</p>
        <p><bold>b) IC Reagents:</bold>IC components are supplied in lyophilized form and must be suspended before first use [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>]. </p>
        <p><bold>3)</bold><bold>Preparation of proteinase K</bold></p>
        <p>Equilibrate proteinase K and its suspension buffer at +15˚C/+25˚C; a) Add 1 mL of buffer to the proteinase K tube; b) Close the tube. Gently shake the proteinase K suspension tube then vortex it for 5 to 6 seconds; c) Let stand for 5 minutes at room temperature; d) Store the proteinase K solution recommended by Biocentric (concentration 100 mg/mL) at −30˚C/−18˚C; e) After thawing, carefully check for cloudiness before pipetting [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>].</p>
        <p><bold>4) Automated extraction of retroviral RNA:</bold>The GXT NA Extraction kit comes in the form of a 12-well cartridge allowing complete automation of the extraction of retroviral RNA from plasma samples, exclusively by the Arrow or GenoXtract machine [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>]. </p>
        <p><bold>a)</bold><bold>Processing of plasma samples, standards and controls for nucleic acid extraction</bold></p>
        <p>Equilibrate the samples, the 5 standards, the 2 controls, the IC RNA and the proteinase K solution at +15˚C/+25˚C; Add 10 μL of proteinase K solution to a microtube (1.5 or 2 mL); Add 250 μL of plasma sample to be extracted; Vortex for 5 seconds; Incubate at +15˚C/+25˚C for 10 min [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>].</p>
        <p><bold>b)</bold><bold>Using IC RNA with GXT NA Extraction Cartridges</bold></p>
        <p>Load the GXT NA Extraction cartridges into the automatic extraction machine and pierce the cartridge cover using the perforator. Carefully add 2 μL of IC RNA Reagent to the first well (front) of each GXT NA Extraction cartridge used for extraction of nucleic acids from standards, controls, and test samples [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>].</p>
        <p><bold>c)</bold><bold>Automated RNA extraction procedure</bold></p>
        <p>Assemble the pumps and the tips, then load the assembly into the automatic extraction machine; Load the GXT NA Extraction cartridges into the extraction machine and pierce the cartridge cover using the perforator; Place each sample tube and elution tube in the appropriate locations on the extraction machine; Close the lid of the automaton and launch the extraction program Generic250_NA_VN.0; At the end of the extraction, the retroviral RNA obtained must be stored at +2˚C/+8˚C if it is tested the same day, or stored at −80˚C/−60˚C if it is tested subsequently [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>].</p>
        <p><bold>5)</bold><bold>PCR amplification</bold></p>
        <p><bold>a) Preparation of the reaction mixture</bold></p>
        <p>Thaw the reagents at +15˚C/+25˚C (<bold>Table 1</bold>). In a sterile 1.5 mL nuclease-free microtube, prepare the reaction mixture for N samples. For N samples, multiply the volumes of reagents indicated below by “N + 4” [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>]: </p>
        <p><bold>Tabl</bold><bold>e 1</bold><bold>.</bold> Preparation of the reaction mixture (1).</p>
        <table-wrap id="tbl1">
          <label>Table 1</label>
          <table>
            <tbody>
              <tr>
                <td>Reagents (molecular biology quality)</td>
                <td>Volume (μL)</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>
                  H
                  <sub>2</sub>
                  O without nuclease
                </td>
                <td>3.0</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>Mix enzymatique 4×</td>
                <td>5.0</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>Primers A</td>
                <td>0.5</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>Primers B</td>
                <td>0.5</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>Probe C</td>
                <td>0.5</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>IC primers/probe-Cy5</td>
                <td>0.5</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>Volume reaction total</td>
                <td>10.0</td>
              </tr>
            </tbody>
          </table>
        </table-wrap>
        <p><bold>b)</bold><bold>Preparation of the PCR microplate</bold></p>
        <p>Homogenize the reaction mixture using a vortex mixer. Eliminate droplets on the walls of the tube by centrifuging briefly; i) Distribute 10 μL of the prepared reaction mixture into a PCR microplate; ii) Vortex, for at least 5 seconds, the eluates of the standards, controls and patient samples; iii) Distribute 10 μL of eluate or water into each well of the microplate; iv) Carefully cover the PCR microplate with a suitable adhesive or heat-sealable film; v) Remove air bubbles by centrifuging the microplate for 10 seconds [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>].</p>
        <p><bold>c)</bold><bold>Running real-time PCR from</bold><bold>“</bold><bold>open</bold><bold>”</bold><bold>thermal cyclers</bold></p>
        <p>Load the sealed microplate into the real-time PCR instrument. Perform RT-PCR using the following amplification program (<bold>Table 2</bold>) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>]. </p>
        <p><bold>Table 2</bold><bold>.</bold> Amplification program.</p>
        <table-wrap id="tbl2">
          <label>Table 2</label>
          <table>
            <tbody>
              <tr>
                <td>Temperature</td>
                <td>Duration</td>
                <td>Stage</td>
                <td>Amplification</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>50˚C</td>
                <td>10 minutes</td>
                <td>Reverse transcription</td>
                <td rowspan="4">50 cycles</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>95˚C</td>
                <td>5 minutes</td>
                <td>Enzyme activation</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>95˚C</td>
                <td>15 seconds</td>
                <td>Denaturation</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>60˚C</td>
                <td>1 minute</td>
                <td>Hybridation</td>
              </tr>
            </tbody>
          </table>
        </table-wrap>
        <p>Edit for each well of the microplate the “reporter” fluorophores (FAM and Cy5 for the HIV-1 target and the IC respectively), the identification of the sample, the number of replicates and finally the concentration for each of the 5 HIV-1 standards, i.e. in copies/mL. Depending on the unit chosen for the standards, the viral load results will be expressed either in copies/mL [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B15">15</xref>].</p>
        <p>2.6.2. Nucleic Acid Amplification Test for HBV Quantification</p>
        <p><bold>1) Principle of the test:</bold> The GHBV-CV v2.0 test is based on the principle of real-time quantitative PCR with the use of an oligonucleotide detection hydrolysis probe labeled at 5' with an emitting fluorophore (“reporter”), and at 3' with a non-fluorescent suppressor group (“quencher”) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B16">16</xref>].</p>
        <p><bold>2) Processing of plasma samples, standards and controls for nucleic acid extraction</bold></p>
        <p>Equilibrate the samples, the four standards, the two controls, the IC DNA and the proteinase K solution at +15˚C/+25˚C. Prepare a proteinase K-IC DNA mixture for NEXT extractions. For NEXT extractions, multiply the volumes of reagents indicated below by “NEXT + 4” [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B16">16</xref>] (<bold>Tables 3-5</bold>).</p>
        <p><bold>Table 3</bold><bold>.</bold> Preparation of the proteinase K-IC DNA.</p>
        <table-wrap id="tbl3">
          <label>Table 3</label>
          <table>
            <tbody>
              <tr>
                <td>Reagents</td>
                <td>Volume (μL)</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>Proteinase K</td>
                <td>10</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>IC DNA</td>
                <td>2</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>Volume total</td>
                <td>12</td>
              </tr>
            </tbody>
          </table>
        </table-wrap>
        <p><bold>3)</bold><bold>Preparation of the reaction mixture:</bold>Thaw the “5× Enzyme Mix” and “Mix Probe Primers” reagents at +15˚C/+25˚C. In a 1.5 mL nuclease-free microtube, prepare the reaction mixture for NPCR PCR assays. For NPCR, multiply the reagent volumes indicated below by “NPCR + 4” [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B16">16</xref>]:</p>
        <p><bold>Ta</bold><bold>ble 4</bold><bold>.</bold> Preparation of the reaction mixture (2).</p>
        <table-wrap id="tbl4">
          <label>Table 4</label>
          <table>
            <tbody>
              <tr>
                <td>Reagents (molecular biology quality)</td>
                <td>Volume (μL)</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>
                  H
                  <sub>2</sub>
                  O without nuclease
                </td>
                <td>3.0</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>Enzyme mix 5×</td>
                <td>4.0</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>Mixed probe primers</td>
                <td>3.0</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>Total reaction volume</td>
                <td>10.0</td>
              </tr>
            </tbody>
          </table>
        </table-wrap>
        <p><bold>4) Running real-time PCR from “open” thermal</bold></p>
        <p>Load the sealed microplate into the real-time PCR instrument. Perform real-time PCR using the following amplification program [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B16">16</xref>]:</p>
        <p><bold>Table 5</bold><bold>.</bold> Amplification program.</p>
        <table-wrap id="tbl5">
          <label>Table 5</label>
          <table>
            <tbody>
              <tr>
                <td>Temperature</td>
                <td>Duration</td>
                <td>Stage</td>
                <td>Amplification</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>50˚C</td>
                <td>15 minutes</td>
                <td>-</td>
                <td rowspan="4">50 cycles</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>95˚C</td>
                <td>10 minutes</td>
                <td>Enzyme activation</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>95˚C</td>
                <td>15 seconds</td>
                <td>Denaturation</td>
              </tr>
              <tr>
                <td>60˚C</td>
                <td>1 minute</td>
                <td>Hybridation</td>
              </tr>
            </tbody>
          </table>
        </table-wrap>
        <p>2.6.3. VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease</p>
        <p><bold>Principle of the test:</bold> The VISITECT CD4 Advanced Disease rapid test is an immunochromatographic assay that estimates full length CD4 protein associated with CD4+ T cells in human whole blood, and is directly correlated with CD4+ Tcell levels [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B17">17</xref>]. A capture monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for the cytoplasmic domain of CD4 is applied as a line on the nitrocellulose membrane [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B17">17</xref>]. These complexes are visualized as a pink/purple line. A Reference line (200 line) is include to allow estimation of CD4 levels by comparison to a set cut-off (equivalent to the signal level generated by specimens containing 200 CD4+ T cells/µL). The control line, located in the results window marked “C” [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B17">17</xref>]. The Reference line, located in the results window marked “200” exhibits an intensity approximately equal to the seen whit a specimen containing 200 CD4+ T cells/µL. The line, located in the results window marked “T” exhibits an intensity that correlates to the number of CD4+ cells in the specimen. The test results interpreted by comparing the intensity of the test (T) line with the reference (200) line. If the (T) line has equalor weaker intensity than the Reference (200) line, the test result is “Below Reference” (≤200 CD4+ T cells/µL) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B17">17</xref>]. If the (T) line has stronger intensity than the reference (200) line, the test result is “Above Reference” (&gt;200 CD4+ T cells/µL) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B17">17</xref>].</p>
        <p><bold>The Procedure:</bold> Touch the center of well A lightly and squeeze the bulb of the sampling device/depress the pipette plunger gently to ensure the full 30 µL specimen is released into well A [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B17">17</xref>]. Discard the sampling device/disposable tip a sharps/biohazard bin. Wait for 3 minutes. Hold the buffer bottle vertically 1 cm above well A. Add 1 drop of buffer to well A where the blood has been added. Wait for 17 minutes. Hold the buffer bottle vertically 1 cm well B [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B17">17</xref>]. Carefully add 3 drops of buffer to well B allowing each drop to absorb into the well before adding the next drop. Wait for 20 minutes. After the test is complete, interpret the results within 5 minutes [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B17">17</xref>].</p>
        <p><bold>Quality control:</bold> There is no quality control standard available, however it is recommended that a specimen greater than 200 CD4+ T cells/ µL (characterized by flow cytometry) is run and the pink/purple lines are visible. It is recommended that a control is run on a regular basis according to local guidelines [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B17">17</xref>].</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec2dot7">
        <title>2.7. Sampling</title>
        <p>This was a cohort study with consecutive non-probability sampling including all HIV-HBV co-infected patients followed in the three treatment sites during the study period.</p>
      </sec>
      <sec id="sec2dot8">
        <title>2.8. Data Analysis</title>
        <p>The data were coded, entered, and cleaned were recorded in Excel 2016, exported, and analyzed using IBM SPSS 26 software for analysis. Descriptive statistics, including means and frequency tables, were used to describe the characteristics of the study participants. A difference of p &lt; 0.05 was considered significant.</p>
      </sec>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec3">
      <title>3. Results</title>
      <p>A total of 129 HIV-HBV co-infected patients were included during the study period. They were aged 18 to 65, the average age was 35 (±2) years. Women predominated with 59.7%, the sex ratio was 0.67. The majority of patients were housewives 30.2% followed by other jobs 20.2%. Married people had 39.5% followed by singles 25.6%. Educational backgrounds varied, with 29.5% of participants not in school and write, 15.5% completing primary education, 30.2% having a secondary school education and 24.8% completing Higher education (<bold>Ta</bold><bold>ble 6</bold>).</p>
      <p><bold>Table 6</bold><bold>.</bold> Summary of sociodemographic characteristics of the patients.</p>
      <table-wrap id="tbl6">
        <label>Table 6</label>
        <table>
          <tbody>
            <tr>
              <td>Variable</td>
              <td>Workforce (n)</td>
              <td>Percentage (95% CI)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                <bold>Sex</bold>
              </td>
              <td>
              </td>
              <td>
              </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Male</td>
              <td>52</td>
              <td>40.3</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Female</td>
              <td>77</td>
              <td>59.7</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                <bold>Age Group (years)</bold>
              </td>
              <td>
              </td>
              <td>
              </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                [18
                <bold>-</bold>
                25[
              </td>
              <td>32</td>
              <td>24.8</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                [26
                <bold>-</bold>
                35[
              </td>
              <td>49</td>
              <td>38.0</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                [36
                <bold>-</bold>
                45[
              </td>
              <td>36</td>
              <td>27.9</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                [46
                <bold>-</bold>
                55[
              </td>
              <td>8</td>
              <td>6.2</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                [56
                <bold>-</bold>
                65]
              </td>
              <td>4</td>
              <td>3.1</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                <bold>Marital Status</bold>
              </td>
              <td>
              </td>
              <td>
              </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Married</td>
              <td>51</td>
              <td>39.5</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Single</td>
              <td>33</td>
              <td>25.6</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Divorced</td>
              <td>29</td>
              <td>22.5</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Widowed</td>
              <td>16</td>
              <td>12.4</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                <bold>Educational Level</bold>
              </td>
              <td>
              </td>
              <td>
              </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Higher</td>
              <td>32</td>
              <td>24.8</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Secondary</td>
              <td>39</td>
              <td>30.2</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Primary</td>
              <td>20</td>
              <td>15.5</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Not in school</td>
              <td>38</td>
              <td>29.5</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                <bold>Occupation</bold>
              </td>
              <td>
              </td>
              <td>
              </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Student</td>
              <td>8</td>
              <td>6.2</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Pupil</td>
              <td>2</td>
              <td>1.6</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Civil servant</td>
              <td>13</td>
              <td>10.1</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Military personnel</td>
              <td>9</td>
              <td>7.0</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Merchant</td>
              <td>19</td>
              <td>14.7</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Housewife</td>
              <td>39</td>
              <td>30.2</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Unemployed</td>
              <td>13</td>
              <td>10.1</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Other</td>
              <td>26</td>
              <td>20.2</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                <bold>Stage HIV</bold>
              </td>
              <td>
              </td>
              <td>
              </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>I</td>
              <td>46</td>
              <td>35.7</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>II</td>
              <td>52</td>
              <td>40.3</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>III</td>
              <td>26</td>
              <td>20.2</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>IV</td>
              <td>5</td>
              <td>3.9</td>
            </tr>
          </tbody>
        </table>
      </table-wrap>
      <p>Regarding the clinical stages, about 35.7% were at clinical stage I, 40.3% were at clinical stage II, 20.2% were at clinical stage III, and the rest were at clinical stage IV, 3.9% (<bold>Table 6</bold>).</p>
      <p>As indicated in <bold>Table 7</bold> presented the frequency of the age group according to sex of which 30 women are in the age group of 26 - 35 years old followed by 25 women between 18 - 25 years old while 19 men are aged between 26 - 35 years old and 19 others between 36 - 45 years old.</p>
      <p><bold>Table 7</bold><bold>.</bold> Range of age within the sex.</p>
      <table-wrap id="tbl7">
        <label>Table 7</label>
        <table>
          <tbody>
            <tr>
              <td>Range of age</td>
              <td>Female</td>
              <td>Male</td>
              <td>Total</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                [18
                <bold>-</bold>
                25[
              </td>
              <td>25</td>
              <td>7</td>
              <td>32</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                [26
                <bold>-</bold>
                35[
              </td>
              <td>30</td>
              <td>19</td>
              <td>49</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                [36
                <bold>-</bold>
                45[
              </td>
              <td>17</td>
              <td>19</td>
              <td>36</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                [46
                <bold>-</bold>
                55[
              </td>
              <td>4</td>
              <td>4</td>
              <td>8</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>
                [56
                <bold>-</bold>
                65]
              </td>
              <td>1</td>
              <td>3</td>
              <td>4</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Total</td>
              <td>77</td>
              <td>52</td>
              <td>129</td>
            </tr>
          </tbody>
        </table>
      </table-wrap>
      <p>Immunologically, the failure rate of CD4 T lymphocytes ≤ 200 cells/µL was 65.9% at the start of treatment at zero months (M0); on the other hand after 6 months (M6) of treatment with Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD), the level of CD4 T Lymphocytes ≤ 200 cells/µL was 16.3% (<bold>Table 8</bold>).</p>
      <p><bold>Table 8</bold><bold>.</bold> Values of lymphocyte T CD4+.</p>
      <table-wrap id="tbl8">
        <label>Table 8</label>
        <table>
          <tbody>
            <tr>
              <td>CD4 Values (cells/μL)</td>
              <td>
                1
                <sup>st</sup>
                Values M0
              </td>
              <td>
                2
                <sup>nd</sup>
                Values M6
              </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>≤200 cells/μL</td>
              <td>85 (65.9%)</td>
              <td>21 (16.3 %)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>&gt;200 cells/μL</td>
              <td>44 (34.1%)</td>
              <td>108 (83.7%)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Total</td>
              <td>100%</td>
              <td>100%</td>
            </tr>
          </tbody>
        </table>
      </table-wrap>
      <p><bold>Table 9</bold> shows the variations in HIV RNA viral loads at the initiation of treatment at zero months (M0), after third month (M3) and after sixth month (M6) of treatment based on Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD). The criterion of undetectability of HIV RNA if the viral load is less than 40 copies/ml according to the laboratory protocol.</p>
      <p><bold>Table 9</bold><bold>.</bold> Distribution according to HIV RNA viral load.</p>
      <table-wrap id="tbl9">
        <label>Table 9</label>
        <table>
          <tbody>
            <tr>
              <td>HIV Viral Load(copy of RNA/mL)</td>
              <td>
                1
                <sup>st</sup>
                Values M0
              </td>
              <td>
                2
                <sup>nd</sup>
                Values M3
              </td>
              <td>
                3
                <sup>r</sup>
                <sup>d</sup>
                Values M6
              </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>&lt;1000 copies/ml</td>
              <td>29 (22.5%)</td>
              <td>9 (7.0%)</td>
              <td>8 (6.2%)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>≥1000 copies/ml</td>
              <td>81 (62.8%)</td>
              <td>17 (13.2%)</td>
              <td>5 (3.9%)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Undetectable</td>
              <td>19 (14.7%)</td>
              <td>103 (79.8%)</td>
              <td>116 (89.9%)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Total</td>
              <td>100%</td>
              <td>100%</td>
              <td>100%</td>
            </tr>
          </tbody>
        </table>
      </table-wrap>
      <p>The viral load was high (≥ 1000 copies/ml) at M0, i.e. 62.8%, followed by 13.2% after 3 months of treatment and 3.9% after 6 months of treatment in the population studied. The immunovirological failure rate with TLD was 3.9% after 6 months of treatment, this shows the effectiveness of Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) in HIV/HBV co-infected patients.</p>
      <p>The viral load is undetectable or suppressed in 19.4% in zero months (M0) of patients; subsequently, the percentage of suppression increases after 3 months and 6 months of treatment, respectively 79.8% and 89.9%. The majority of participants in the study exhibited encouraging outcomes regarding viral load, with 6.2% viral loads below 1000 copies/ml at sixth month.</p>
      <p><bold>Table 10</bold> shows us that the HBV DNA viral load is highly elevated in zero months (M0) at the initiation of treatment ≥ 2000 IU/mL 52.7%. The criterion of undetectability of HBV DNA if the viral load is less than 50 copies/mL according to the laboratory protocol.</p>
      <p><bold>Table 10</bold><bold>.</bold> Distribution according to HBV DNA viral load.</p>
      <table-wrap id="tbl10">
        <label>Table 10</label>
        <table>
          <tbody>
            <tr>
              <td>HBV DNA Viral Load (UI/mL)</td>
              <td>
                1
                <sup>st</sup>
                Values M0
              </td>
              <td>
                2
                <sup>nd</sup>
                Values M3
              </td>
              <td>
                3
                <sup>r</sup>
                <sup>d</sup>
                Values M6
              </td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>≥2000 UI/mL</td>
              <td>68 (52.7%)</td>
              <td>9 (7.0%)</td>
              <td>6 (4.7%)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>&lt;2000 UI/mL</td>
              <td>31 (24.0%)</td>
              <td>7 (5.4%)</td>
              <td>4 (3.1%)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Undetectable</td>
              <td>30 (23.3%)</td>
              <td>113 (87.6%)</td>
              <td>119 (92.2%)</td>
            </tr>
            <tr>
              <td>Total</td>
              <td>100%</td>
              <td>100%</td>
              <td>100%</td>
            </tr>
          </tbody>
        </table>
      </table-wrap>
      <p>Subsequently the number decreases after 3 months (M3) and 6 months (M6) of treatment based on Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir (TLD) respectively 5.4% and 3.1%. The immunovirological failure rate was 3.1% after 6 months of treatment of the population studied. </p>
      <p>Regarding HBV DNA detectability, among the 129 samples analyzed, 126 (97.7%) were presence for detectable HBV DNA, while 3 samples (2.3%) showed absence DNA (<xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig1">Figure 1</xref>).</p>
      <fig id="fig1">
        <label>Figure 1</label>
        <graphic xlink:href="https://html.scirp.org/file/1951288-rId15.jpeg?20260512032059" />
      </fig>
      <p><bold>Figure 1.</bold> Distribution of patients according to DNA-HBV detectability (Presence or absence).</p>
      <p><xref ref-type="fig" rid="fig2">Figure 2</xref> shows the distribution of CD4 T lymphocytes according to sex with the numbers of CD4 T lymphocytes ≤ 200 cells/µL being high in females compared to males.</p>
      <fig id="fig2">
        <label>Figure 2</label>
        <graphic xlink:href="https://html.scirp.org/file/1951288-rId16.jpeg?20260512032059" />
      </fig>
      <p><bold>Figure 2.</bold> Distribution of CD4 T lymphocytes according to sex.</p>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec4">
      <title>4. Discussion</title>
      <p>In our study, women predominated with 59.7%, the sex ratio was 0.67. Similar trends were observed in studies conducted in Burkina Faso by T. M. Zohoncon <italic>et al.</italic>, a female predominance of 53.08% [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B18">18</xref>]; in Cameroon, the predominance is female [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B19">19</xref>]; in Sénégal, Ndiaye M <italic>et al.</italic>, found that women predominated, accounting for 78.13% [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B20">20</xref>]. This female over-representation could be explained by women’s better access to health care or an increased propensity to seek medical care. </p>
      <p>The average age of our patients was 35 years, ranging from 18 to 65; this can be explained by the fact that HIV infections and other viruses with the same modes of transmission are frequently observed in young adults who are physically and sexually active. Our findings are comparable to those of Kumar <italic>et al.</italic>, who reported a mean participant age of 36.35 ± 14.76 years, with the most represented group being young sexually active adults aged 21 - 40 years [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B21">21</xref>]; with that of Traoré <italic>et al.</italic>, in Burkina Faso who found 83.49% of patients were adults (≥25 years old) [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B22">22</xref>].</p>
      <p>Young adults represent the main target of HIV infection, due to sexual transmission, which is the predominant mode of contamination. Being part of the active population, these subjects are also more frequently exposed to risky behaviors [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B23">23</xref>].</p>
      <p>Among our patients, married individuals accounted for 39.5%, a result similar to those found by MA Bolti <italic>et al.</italic>, with 46.6% married [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B24">24</xref>]. Married individuals are most at risk. This increase among married individuals can be explained by the refusal to disclose HIV status to a spouse for fear of stigmatization and breakup of the couple [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B24">24</xref>].</p>
      <p>Regarding the clinical stages, about 35.7% were at clinical stage I, 40.3% were at clinical stage II, 20.2% were at clinical stage III, and the rest were at clinical stage IV, 3.9%. Our results are contrary to those of Essomeyo NM Magalie <italic>et al.</italic>, in Libreville who found in HIV/HBV co-infected patients the WHO clinical stages stage I, 24.3%; stage II, 48.6%; stage III, 7.1% and stage IV, 20.0% [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B23">23</xref>]. The difference between these results and those in our study is related to the methodological approach (often a retrospective study; the inclusion criterion; and also the study period, which has an influence).</p>
      <p>Regarding HBV DNA presence, 97.7% were positive for detectable HBV DNA, while 2.3% showed absence DNA. Our results are consistent with those of P. S. Diawara <italic>et al.</italic>, who reported 92.48% detectable (presence) HBV DNA and 7.52% undetectable DNA (absence DNA) among the quantified patient samples [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B25">25</xref>].</p>
      <p>The immunological failure rate of CD4+ T lymphocytes is ≤200 cells/μL in 65.9% at the initiation of treatment, and 16.3% after 6 months of treatment. This result is similar to that of Petra de Haas <italic>et al.</italic>, in Ethiopia most VISITECT-CD4-AD test results were read as ≤200 cells/μL 74.3% [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B26">26</xref>]. This upward trend in CD4 counts is found in Zhong <italic>et al.</italic>, who evaluated the immunological effectiveness of ARV treatment in naive PLHIV in China CD4+ T-cell 15.0% [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B27">27</xref>].</p>
      <p>The results of our study show a significant improvement in immunological parameters in HIV/HBV co-infected patients under Tenofovir/Dolutegravir/Lamivudine triple therapy. The increase in the level of CD4 lymphocytes observed after initiation of treatment reflects a progressive immune restoration, consistent with integrase such as Dolutegravir. </p>
      <p>In the study population, the HIV RNA viral load was high (≥ 1000 copies/ml) in 62.8% at the initiation of M0 treatment, 13.2% after 3 months of treatment and 3.9% after 6 months of treatment. Our results are close to those of Essomeyo NM Magalie <italic>et al.</italic>, in Libreville who found the viral load was ≥1000 copies/ml in 82.1% at the initiation of treatment [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B23">23</xref>]. The association might be because HIV patients who have HBV/HIV co-infection have weaker immunity than those who have not HBV/HIV co-infected HIV patients which will make them more prone to increased viral load [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B28">28</xref>].</p>
      <p>Some patients skip drug intakes, forgetfulness or neglect, which can promote the emergence of HIV resistance to treatment. Others go to traditional healers and marabouts who believe that healing is possible through traditional medicine. It should be noted that this practice is not without consequences as it contributes to the deterioration of the health status of patients who are often subject to many opportunistic infections [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B29">29</xref>]. The rest of the medications were checked during the visits to calculate the percentage of doses actually taken and an analysis of the regularity of prescription renewals at the pharmacy was made in all patients. </p>
      <p>The HBV DNA viral load is high ≥ 2000 IU/mL in 52.7% at the initiation of treatment (M0), after 3 months of treatment 5.4% and after 6 months of treatment 3.1%. The viral load rate ≥ 2000 IU/mL of 3.1% at 6 months of treatment could be explained by poor compliance with treatment in some patients. Our results differ from those of Nan-arabe Lodoum <italic>et al.</italic>, who found a low viral load in the study population, with 74.41% showing HBV DNA levels below 2000 UI/mL, compared to 23.59% above this threshold [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B30">30</xref>]. The difference between these viral load HBV and those in our study is related to the methodological approach.</p>
      <p>Indeed, the viral load of HBV DNA is suppressed only in 23.3% at the initiation of M0 treatment, on the other hand the frequency of suppression of HBV DNA is high after 3 months (M3) and 6 months (M6) of treatment respectively 87.6% and 92.2%. However, our results at M3 and M6 were similar to those of a study in Bouaké (Côte d’Ivoire), the proportion of patients in whom the viral load was undetectable increased over time from 55.5% to 64.4% from M6 to M24 [<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B31">31</xref>]. This demonstrated virological effectiveness in relation to the duration of follow-up and also good compliance. Prolonged use of therapeutic combinations based on Tenofovir/Dolutegravir/Lamivudine in HIV/HBV co-infected patients considerably reduces the viral load when compliance is good.</p>
      <p>The significant suppression of the HIV-1 viral load in the majority of patients confirms the antiviral power of the regimen studied. Dolutegravir, recognized for its high genetic barrier to resistance, plays a central role in this effectiveness. Furthermore, the presence of Tenofovir and Lamivudine, active against both HIV and the hepatitis B virus, constitutes a major therapeutic advantage in the context of co-infection. However, the possible absence of systematic monitoring of HBV viral load or viral replication markers may represent a limitation in the complete evaluation of the hepatic response.</p>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec5">
      <title>5. Conclusion</title>
      <p>In conclusion, the immunovirological evaluation of the triple therapy combining Tenofovir/Lamivudine/Dolutegravir in HIV/HBV co-infected patients in Chad highlights significant virological suppression of HIV accompanied by progressive immune restoration. The therapeutic regimen studied presents an efficacy profile and constitutes a relevant first-line option in the management of HIV/HBV co-infected patients in Chad. Nevertheless, prolonged longitudinal follow-up remains necessary in order to assess the durability of the virological response and the long-term evolution of hepatic parameters.</p>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec6">
      <title>Acknowledgements</title>
      <p>We are grateful to: 1) all study participants; 2) the Ministry of Public Health and Prevention, to the sectoral program for the fight against AIDS, hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections (PSLSH/IST); 3) the management and staff of the Psycho-socio-Medical Support Center (APMS), CHU-ATC, and CHU-RN.</p>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec7">
      <title>Authors’ Contributions</title>
      <p>All authors contributed to data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation; writing of the paper; critical review of its intellectual content; and final approval of the version to be published. All authors contributed to the conduct of this work. All authors also declare that they have read and approved the final version of the manuscript. </p>
    </sec>
    <sec id="sec8">
      <title>Ethical Considerations</title>
      <p>The study was conducted in strict compliance with confidentiality requirements, and anonymity was ensured through the use of patient registration numbers. We obtained ethical clearance from the National Bioethics Committee of Chad under number N°056/MESRS/SE/SG/CBNT/SG/2025. Research authorizations were obtained from the various health centers in N’Djamena. In addition, all participants provided specific written consent for the utilization of their demographic information in this research study. This consent was obtained after explaining in a clear and understandable manner the objectives, risks, potential benefits, and rights of participants, including their freedom to withdraw at any time without prejudice.</p>
    </sec>
  </body>
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