Unveiling the underestimated prevalence of HIV, HBV and TB triple infection in Asia, South America, and Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a genus of retroviruses that targets immune cells and may eventually cause immune-deficiency illness. Triple infection of HIV/hepatitis B virus (HBV) /tuberculosis (TB) leads to a worse prognosis than mono-infection. We aimed to unveil the pooled estimation of HIV/HBV/TB co-infection prevalence in Asia, South America, and Africa. METHODS: A systematic literature search in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library was performed for studies of the prevalence of HIV/HBV/TB triple infection published from January 1, 1990, to March 31, 2024. The Freeman–Tukey random effects model was used to calculate the pooled prevalence. RESULTS: We included 7 studies with in total 6401 participants and 259 triple infection cases. The pooled triple infection rate in the enrolled population was 4.4% (259/6401; 95% CI 2.2%-7.3%). The results of the subgroup analysis showed that the prevalence of triple infection was significantly higher in the South America (82/950, 8.6%; 95% CI 6.8%-10.4%), in men (86/1817, 3.4%; 95% CI 0.7%-7.8%) and patients receiving antiretroviral treatment (125/1611, 7.4%; 95% CI 5.8%–9.2%). However, no significant difference in the triple infection rate was observed among individuals initially diagnosed with HIV or TB. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis suggests that the prevalence of HIV/HBV/TB triple infection in the regions studied is underestimated, and we should focus more effort on improving novel strategies for…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 6,401 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Understanding the factors influencing fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith) damage in African smallholder maize fields and quantifying its impact on yield. A case study in Eastern Zimbabwe
- Alarming situation of emerging H5 and H7 avian influenza and effective control strategies
- Livestock and food security: vulnerability to population growth and climate change
- Atmosphere–ocean oxygen and productivity dynamics during early animal radiations
- Characterization of the global distribution and diversified plasmid reservoirs of the colistin resistance gene mcr-9
- The global seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in pigs: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.