Work

Unveiling the underestimated prevalence of HIV, HBV and TB triple infection in Asia, South America, and Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Year: 2025

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, 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 identifying triple infection of HIV/HBV/TB. However, additional studies are required to be incorporated in future analyses to provide a pooled estimate of the global pooled prevalence. CLINICAL TRIAL: Not applicable.

Source: BMC Infectious Diseases

DOI: 10.1186/s12879-025-12390-4

Authors: Yinkang Mo, Zihao Fan, Yaling Cao, Ling Xu, Xiangying Zhang, Feng Ren

Institutions: Capital Medical University, Beijing YouAn Hospital

Language: English

Topic: HIV/AIDS Research and Interventions

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,090