Hepatitis B, HIV, and HBV-HIV Coinfection in a Nigerian Population and Gender-Specific Variations in Their Liver Function Parameters: Insights from a Study in Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Liver dysfunction is a critical comorbidity in individuals infected with HIV and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), particularly when coinfection occurs. This study aimed to evaluate liver function parameters across genders in patients with HIV, HBV, and HBV-HIV coinfection. This study was done to determine the liver function indicators in subjects who are human immunodeficiency (HIV) and Hepatitis B positive. Methodology: A total of 100 participants were categorized into control, HBV-positive, HIV-positive, and HBV-HIV coinfected groups. Liver function markers including total and direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, GGT, total protein, albumin, and globulin were measured and analyzed. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in AST, alkaline phosphatase, and total protein across groups. One hundred (100) subjects made up of Twenty five (25) each for HIV Positive, Hepatitis B virus positive and HIV Hepatitis B Virus coinfection Positive had their aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT),Gammma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), Bilirubin, and Proteins determined using VITROS 250/350/950/5,1 FS and 4600 Chemistry Systems and the VITROS 5600 Integrated System manufactured by Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc. Results: Females with HBV exhibited significantly higher GGT and alkaline phosphatase levels compared to males, suggesting gender-related hepatic vulnerability. The result showed that there was significant difference (P<0.05) in activities of AST, ALP, Total Protein and globulin concentrations in HIV Positive, Hepatitis B virus positive and HIV-Hepatitis B Virus coinfection Positive while there was no significant difference in bilirubin, albumin concentrations as well as GGT and ALT activities in HIV Positive, Hepatitis B virus positive and HIV-Hepatitis B Virus coinfection Positive. The result of the study has shown that there was liver dysfunction in HIV Positive, Hepatitis B virus positive and HIV-Hepatitis B Virus coinfection Positive. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of gender-sensitive diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in managing liver-related complications in HIV and HBV-infected individuals.