Seroprevalence, seroconversion, and mother-to-child transmission of dual and triplex infections of HIV, HBV, and HCV among Nigerian obstetric population: A national multicentre prospective cohort study.

ObjectivesTo determine seroprevalence, seroconversion, and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rates for dual and triplex infections of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) among pregnant women.MethodsA multicentre prospective cohort study was conducted in six randomly selected tertiary hospitals from six geopolitical zones of Nigeria. Consenting participants were tested at recruitment for triplex infections and followed-up till delivery. Retests were performed at delivery for those who tested negative for all three infections/positive for only one. Polymerase chain reaction was used for validation while rapid test kits were employed for initial screening.ResultsOf the 2775 participants recruited, 13 (0.47%; 95% CI: 0.25%-0.80%) and 4 (0.14%; 95% CI: 0.04%-0.37%) were seropositive for dual and triplex infections, respectively. Dual infections revealed seroprevalences of 0.22% for HIV-HBV (6/2775; 95% CI: 0.08%-0.47%), 0.14% for HIV-HCV (4/2775; 95% CI: 0.04%-0.37%), and 0.11% for HBV-HCV (3/2775; 95% CI: 0.02%-0.32%). Multivariable analysis highlighted significant associations between HIV/HBV co-infection and religion (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.068, 95% CI: 0.006-0.757) and house ownership (aOR): 1.65 × 10-9, 95% CI: 1.60 × 10-9-1.70 × 10-9). Continuing our follow-up until delivery for 2403 initial participants, 2386 did not have dual or triplex infections at the start. Upon retesting at delivery, three of these women were seropositive for a dual infection of HIV and HBV, giving a seroconversion rate of 0.12% (95% CI: 0.03% to 0.37%). MTCT rate stood at 0% at 6-week post-delivery.ConclusionWe observed a relatively low seroprevalence and seroconversion rates for dual and triplex infections of HIV, HBV, and HCV among pregnant women in Nigeria and no MTCT.