PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B, HEPATITIS C AND MALARIA CO-INFECTION AMONG HIV POSITIVE PATIENTS ATTENDING FAITH ALIVE FOUNDATION, JOS, PLATEAU STATE

Co-infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and malaria increase morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV (PLHIV). This retrospective study assessed the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and malaria co-infections among HIV-positive patients attending Faith Alive Foundation, Jos, Plateau State, between 1st January 2023 and 31st May 2025. Clinical records of 169 HIV-positive adults were reviewed. Data collected included demographic variables, HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV antibody, and malaria test results (microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests). Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were used to analyze prevalence and associations (p < 0.05). Among the participants (mean age 45 ± 12 years; 62.1% female), malaria was the most common co-infection, affecting 85 patients (50.3%). Of these, 45 (26.6%) had mild, 18 (10.7%) moderate, and 14 (8.3%) severe parasitemia. HBV co-infection was detected in 20 patients (11.8%), while HCV infection occurred in 5 patients (3.0%). Two patients (1.2%) were triple-infected with HBV, HCV, and malaria. Age was significantly associated with HBV prevalence, rising from 5.6% in patients aged 26–30 years to 15.4% in those above 50 years (p < 0.05). All HCV cases occurred in patients older than 40 years, though this was not statistically significant. No significant associations were observed between co-infections and gender, education, or marital status. Malaria prevalence remained consistent across demographic categories. Malaria remains the most prevalent co-infection among HIV-positive patients, while older individuals are disproportionately affected by viral hepatitis. Routine integrated screening for HBV, HCV, and malaria in HIV clinics along with preventive measures such as HBV vaccination and malaria prophylaxis is recommended to reduce co-infection–related complications. Further prospective studies are needed to inform integrated management strategies in similar high-burden settings.