Cancers, Vol. 16, Pages 1606: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and Hepatitis B Virus Coinfections among Ethiopians with Acute Leukemia

Cancers, Vol. 16, Pages 1606: Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and Hepatitis B Virus Coinfections among Ethiopians with Acute Leukemia Cancers doi: 10.3390/cancers16081606 Authors: Jemal Alemu Balako Gumi Aster Tsegaye Ziyada Rahimeto Dessalegn Fentahun Fozia Ibrahim Abdulaziz Abubeker Amha Gebremedhin Tesfaye Gelanew Rawleigh Howe SARS-CoV-2 and blood-borne viral coinfections are well reported. Nevertheless, little is known regarding the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and coinfection with blood-borne viruses in hematologic malignancy patients in Ethiopia. We aimed to assess the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and associated infections with hepatitis B and other viruses among adolescent and adult acute leukemia patients at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2020 to June 2021. Blood samples were tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2, HBV, HCV, and HIV with ELISA kits and occult hepatitis B infection with a real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Out of a total 110 cases, the SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was 35.5%. The prevalence showed a significant increment from July 2020 to the end of June 2021 (p = 0.015). In 22.7% and 2.7% of leukemia cases, HBV and HIV, respectively, were detected. No HCV was identified. The rate of SARS-CoV-2 coinfection with HBV and HIV was 28% (11/39) and 2.6% (1/39), respectively; however, there was no statistically significant association between SARS-CoV-2...
Source: Cancers - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: research