HIV PrEP programmes as a framework for diagnosing and treating HBV infection in adolescents and young adults in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
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Gloria Sukali Jacob Busang Jaco Dreyer Thandeka Khoza Marion Delphin Nonhlanhla Okesola Carina Herbst Elizabeth Waddilove Janine Upton Janet Seeley Collins Iwuji Motswedi Anderson Philippa Matthews Maryam ShahmaneshAbstract
Background
Guidelines for Hepatitis B treatment released by the World Health Organization in 2024 include the potential for use of dual therapy, combining tenofovir with either emtricitabine or lamivudine. These fixed-dose combinations are also used for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in people at risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). We hypothesize that pre-existing HIV PrEP programmes can support access to HBV testing and treatment
Methods
At the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, we evaluated PrEP uptake and retention amongst adolescents and young adults aged 15-30 years. We reviewed HBV status, acceptance of PrEP and retention in follow-up between June 2022 - Sept 2024.
Results
15,847 adolescents and young adults received an assessment in the community, of whom 3481/15847 (21.9%) were eligible for HIV prevention interventions. 3431/3481 (98.6%) accepted HBV screening, of whom 21/3431 (0.6%) tested positive for HBsAg. These 21 individuals had not previously been aware of their HBV status, but one was already on antiretroviral therapy for HIV infection. Amongst the remaining 20, 16/20 (80%) were considered eligible for PrEP, and 15 started PrEP. When investigating follow up and retention in care, among 15 individuals due for a refill 8/15 (53.3%) returned at least once.
Conclusion
Sexual reproductive health and PrEP programmes provide an opportunity for HBV testing and treatment. However, attrition from the care cascade at each step highlights the pressing need for interventions that address barriers to sustainable delivery of long-term care.
Journal details
Journal
Journal of Virus Eradication
Volume
11
Issue number
3
Pages
100600
Available online
Publication date
Full text links
Publisher website (DOI)
10.1016/j.jve.2025.100600
Figshare
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Europe PubMed Central
40612765
Pubmed
40612765
