Detection of highly prevalent hepatitis B virus co-infection with HIV in Indonesia

Aim The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) co‐infection with HIV is increasing worldwide because of shared transmission routes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HBV and HIV co‐infection in Indonesia, and its molecular and clinical characteristics. Methods A total of 118 serum samples from HIV‐infected patients (age 33.3 ± 8.9 years, 99 male, 19 female) collected in 2009 were serologically examined. HBV DNA was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis targeting the S region. Results Overall, 15.3% (18/118) of the patients were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive, whereas 27.1% (32/118) were HBsAg negative but HBV DNA positive, and were considered to have occult HBV infection. HBsAg antibodies and/or HBV core antibodies were detected in 45.6% (31/68) of HBV DNA negative patients. Conclusion HBV co‐infection, including occult HBV infection, was common in Indonesian HIV patients. Hepatic damage by the interaction of host immunity and HBV is still a remaining issue in these immunosuppressive patients, and further study will be needed.