Persistence and risk factors of occult hepatitis B virus infections among antiretroviral therapy-naïve people living with HIV in Botswana

The study investigates the hidden presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in people living with HIV in Botswana who have not yet received antiretroviral therapy (ART). This hidden form of HBV, called occult HBV infection, is not easily detectable with standard tests. The researchers aimed to find out how common occult HBV infection is in this group and what factors might increase the risk. They discovered that a significant number of these individuals had occult HBV infections. Identifying and understanding the risk factors for these hidden infections can help improve the care and treatment strategies for people living with HIV.