Author/Authors :
Nsagha, DS University of Buea - Faculty of Health Sciences - Department of Public Health and Hygiene, Cameroon , Njunda, AL University of Buea - Faculty of Health Sciences - Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Cameroon , Kamga, HLF University of Buea - Faculty of Health Sciences - Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Cameroon , Assob, JCN University of Buea - Faculty of Health Sciences - Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cameroon , Bongkem, EA University of Buea - Faculty of Health Sciences - Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Cameroon , nsagha, d.s. department of public health and hygiene,faculty of health sciences,university of buea, Cameroon , njunda, a.l. department of medical laboratory sciences,faculty of health sciences,university of buea, Cameroon , kamga, h.l.f. department of medical laboratory sciences,faculty of health sciences,university of buea, Cameroon , assob, j.c.n. department of biomedical sciences,faculty of health sciences,university of buea, Cameroon , bongkem, e.a. department of medical laboratory sciences,faculty of health sciences,university of buea, Cameroon
Abstract :
Background: HIV/AIDS is a major public health problem in Cameroon which had a prevalence of 5.1% in 2010 with 141 new infections per day. The fear of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is an obstacle to HIV prevention. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of HIV-1, HIV-2 and HIV-1/HIV-2 co-infection among people attending a health facility for VCT. Methods: Venous blood was collected from participants using aseptic techniques in a descriptive observational crosssectional study. DETERMINE HIV-1/2 and SD BIOLINE HIV-1/2 3.0 qualitative tests were used for the detection of HIV-1 and HIV-2 in their sera. Range and consistency checks were carried out on the data and analysed using Epi-Info. Results: Of 290 individuals tested, 78(26.9%) were positive for HIV-1 and HIV-2. Among the 78 HIV positive individuals, 62 (79.5%) had HIV-1, 1(1.3%) had HIV-2 and 15(19.2%) had concurrent HIV-1/ HIV-2. Among those infected, 57(73.1%) were females including 21(26.9%) males. Conclusion: HIV-1 is the major cause of AIDS and VCT is well accepted. Co-infection with HIV-1/HIV-2 may lead to anti-retroviral drug resistance. VCT should be encouraged so that positive cases can initiate therapy on time to stay ahead of anti-retroviral drug resistance.
Keywords :
HIV , 1, HIV , 2, HIV , 1 , HIV , 2 co , infection, AIDS, sero , prevalence, voluntary counselling and testing , Cameroon
