Impact of Hepatitis B Virus Infection on Human Immunodeficiency Virus Response to Antiretroviral Therapy in Nigeria

Abstract

Among HIV-infected Nigerian individuals, HBV coinfection, especially among those with high levels of HBV replication, was associated with lower CD4+ T cell counts at ART initiation, independent of HIV RNA level. Patients with HBeAg-positive status had a slower virological response to ART, compared with HBeAg-negative patients. Further work is needed to understand the effects of HBV on CD4+ T cells.