Original articles
The prevalence of hepatitis B infection in a rural South African HIV clinic
Abstract
The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in 1 765 HIV-positive patients in rural Eastern Cape was 7.1%. This is lower than the previously reported rural prevalence and is similar to urban prevalence. Male sex and baseline alanine aminotransferease (ALT) were significant predictors of HBV status. Most HBV-positive patients had normal baseline ALT, making ALT an insensitive screening test for HBV status.
Authors' affiliations
Tom H Boyles,
Karen Cohen,
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Hepatitis B; HIV
Cite this article
South African Medical Journal 2011;101(7):470-471.
Article History
Date submitted: 2010-10-22
Date published: 2011-06-27
Date published: 2011-06-27
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