Assessment of Some Hematological Parameters in Hepatitis B Subjects Co-Infected with HIV on Therapy, Attending Imo Specialist Hospital, Owerri

Infections with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) are serious public health problems around the world, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, where they are common and spread in similar ways. Co-infection with these viruses hastens illness progression, complicates therapy, and negatively impacts haematological markers. This study assessed certain haematological parameters in HIV-infected patients coinfected with HBV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Imo Specialist Hospital, Owerri. A cross-sectional study was performed including 100 participants aged 18 to 60 years, including 50 HIV-infected individuals and 50 coinfected with HIV and HBV. Five millilitres of venous blood were obtained in EDTA tubes and examined using an automated haematology analyser. The parameters that were looked at were haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell count (RBC), white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte percentage, and platelet count. The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) verified the HBV infection. We used SPSS version 25.0 to look at the data, and we set the significance level at p < 0.05. The average levels of Hb, PCV, and RBC in individuals coinfected with HIV and HBV were considerably lower (p < 0.05) compared to those infected alone with HIV. Total WBC and lymphocyte counts were reduced in co-infected patients, signifying mild leukopenia and lymphocytopenia. The platelet count was reduced in the HIV/HBV co-infected group relative to persons alone infected with HIV. HIV/HBV co-infection adversely affects haematological parameters, indicating bone marrow suppression, decreased erythropoiesis, and immunological dysregulation. It is advised to conduct continuous haematologic monitoring of co-infected patients to enhance therapeutic results and avert haematologic problems linked to antiretroviral and antiviral therapy.