Investigating Hepatitis B Co-Infection in COVID-19 Patients in a National Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant global health issue, particularly in regions with high endemicity. With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the intersection of HBV infection and COVID-19 is crucial. This study investigated the prevalence and impact of pre-existing HBV infection among COVID-19 patients in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. This single-center cross-sectional study was conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. A total of 150 confirmed COVID-19 positive patients (84 males and 66 females) were enrolled, alongside 50 non-COVID-19 healthy individuals as controls. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using Abnova® HBV Test Kits and confirmed by ELISA assay. The prevalence of HBV among COVID-19 patients was 8%. Males demonstrated a higher infection rate (58.33%) compared to females (41.67%). Age distribution analysis revealed that individuals aged 21–40 years had the highest frequency of HBV infection. Seasonal variation data indicated greater prevalence during the rainy season (75%) compared to the dry season (25%). The study indicates that while HBV co-infection exists among COVID-19 patients, its impact on clinical outcomes may vary. Enhanced monitoring and targeted management are essential for co-infected patients. Continued research is needed to further explore the complex interactions between HBV and COVID-19.