Liver Fibrosis in Zambian HIV-HBV Co-infected Patients: a Long-term Prospective Cohort Study

Among people with HIV in Africa, liver disease is a neglected area of investigation but is anticipated to become increasingly common as patients live longer due to antiretroviral therapy. In Lusaka, Zambia, we previously (NCT02060162, clinicaltrials.gov) described that HIV-HBV co-infection was the most important liver risk factor. However, in that study, only very short-term outcomes could be assessed. Building on these preliminary results and addressing the need to study HIV-HBV during a longer duration of follow-up, the current protocol will focus exclusively on people with HIV-HBV in Zambia. Zambia is an ideal site for this research as it has ~12% HIV prevalence and 6% HBsAg-positivity among adults nationwide. In fact, ~70% of people with HIV-HBV globally reside in Africa. In the proposed study, we will obtain consent from people with HIV-HBV to participate in an observational cohort study with up to 10 years of follow-up. Standard of care antiviral therapies will be received by participants. More in-depth analysis of liver and HBV viral and serological outcomes will occur. Screening for liver cancer will also occur. This study will provide useful clinical and epidemiological information to health policymakers in Zambia and beyond. It will also provide a platform for the training of health workers in Zambia in HBV clinical management.