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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease globally and is estimated to affect approximately 25% of the world's population. Data about the prevalence and incidence of NAFLD in Africa are scarce, but the prevalence is estimated to be 13·5% for the general population. This is likely to be an underestimate considering the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases, particularly the rising prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, driven by the overlapping challenges of food insecurity, nutritional transition, and associated increased consumption of calorie-dense foods. Establishing the true prevalence of NAFLD, raising public awareness around the risk factors behind the increase in NAFLD, and proactively addressing all components of metabolic syndrome will be important to combat this silent epidemic, which will have long-term health-care costs and economic consequences for the region.

Sub-Saharan Africa, which has a population of more than 1 billion people, carries 24% of the global burden of disease and spends the least on health care of any region, relying heavily on international development assistance to deliver health care for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria. The demographic and epidemiological transitions occurring in sub-Saharan Africa, with rising prevalences of obesity and diabetes, enhance the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), yet this remains an unrecognised complication of metabolic syndrome. There are no guidance documents on NAFLD from sub-Saharan Africa, and non-communicable disease (NCD) guidance documents do not include the associated burden of fatty liver disease. Combating the health and socioeconomic burden of NAFLD requires an integrated liver health approach, with task-shifting to primary health care. Using clear guidance documents to link education and management of HIV, viral hepatitis, NAFLD, and associated NCDs is also crucial to an integrated approach to infectious diseases and NCDs, which requires targeted funding from both governments and international development agencies.

Background Treatment of hepatitis C (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID) is a critical component of efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis. A recent study found high HCV prevalence among PWID in two cities, Pretoria (84%) and Cape Town (44%). Very few (< 5%) HCV-infected individuals attended follow-up appointments. This sub-study explores differences between stated desire for cure and appointment attendance in light of perceived facilitators and barriers to HCV treatment and care access among PWID. Method Two sets of semi-structured interviews were implemented in a group of HCV-infected participants opportunistically sampled and recruited at harm reduction service sites. Initial interviews, conducted before the planned hospital appointment date, asked participants (N = 17, 9 in Pretoria and 8 in Cape Town) about past experiences of healthcare provision, plans to attend their referral appointment and perceived barriers and facilitators to seeking hepatitis treatment. Second interviews (n = 9, 4 in Pretoria, 5 in Cape Town), conducted after the planned referral appointment date, asked about appointment attendance and treatment experience. Trained social scientists with experience with PWID conducted the interviews which were recorded in detailed written notes. Data was thematically analysed in NVivo 11. Results Despite routine experiences of being stigmatised by the healthcare system in the past, most participants (n = 16, 94%) indicated a desire to attend their appointments. Attendance motivators included the desire to be cured, fear of dying and the wish to assist the research project. Perceived barriers to appointment attendance included fear of again experiencing stigmatisation and concerns about waiting periods and drug withdrawal. Perceived facilitators included the knowledge they would be treated quickly, and with respect and access to opioid substitution therapy. In the end, very few participants (n = 5) went to their appointment. Actual barriers to attendance included lack of finances, lack of urgency and forgetting and fatalism about dying. Conclusions South Africa can learn from other countries implementing HCV treatment for PWID. Successful linkage to care will require accessible, sensitive services where waiting time is limited. Psychosocial support prior to initiating referrals that focuses on building and maintaining a sense of self-worth and emphasising that delayed treatment hampers health outcomes is needed.

The 69th World Health Assembly endorsed the Global Health Sector Strategy for Viral Hepatitis, embracing a goal to eliminate hepatitis infection as a public health threat by 2030. This was followed by the World Health Organization's (WHO) global targets for the care and management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. These announcements and targets were important in raising awareness and calling for action; however, tracking countries’ progress towards these elimination goals has provided insights to the limitations of these targets. The existing targets compare a country's progress relative to its 2015 values, penalizing countries who started their programmes prior to 2015, countries with a young population, or countries with a low prevalence. We recommend that (1) WHO simplify the hepatitis elimination targets, (2) change to absolute targets and (3) allow countries to achieve these disease targets with their own service coverage initiatives that will have the maximum impact. The recommended targets are as follows: reduce HCV new chronic cases to ≤5 per 100000, reduce HBV prevalence among 1-year-olds to ≤0.1%, reduce HBV and HCV mortality to ≤5 per 100000, and demonstrate HBV and HCV year-to-year decrease in new HCV- and HBV-related HCC cases. The objective of our recommendations is not to lower expectations or diminish the hepatitis elimination standards, but to provide clearer targets that recognize the past and current elimination efforts by countries, help measure progress towards true elimination, and motivate other countries to follow suit.

Background People who use drugs including people who inject drugs (PWUD/ID), sex workers (SWs) and men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk of HIV and viral hepatitis infection. Limited epidemiological data on the infections exists in key populations (KPs) in South Africa. We investigated the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV and selected risk factors among these KPs to inform effective responses. Methods We used convenience sampling to recruit a targeted 3500 KPs accessing HIV-related health services across Cape Town (SWs, MSM, PWUD/ID), Durban (SWs, PWUD/ID), Pietermaritzburg (SWs), Mthatha (SWs), Port Elizabeth (SWs), Johannesburg (MSM) and Pretoria (MSM and PWUD/ID) into a cross-sectional survey. An interviewer questionnaire to assess socio-demographic characteristics, drug use and sexual risk practices, was administered. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg); HCV antibody, viral load and genotype, and HIV antibody, was tested. Results Among the 3439 people included in the study (1528 SWs, 746 MSM, 1165 PWUD/ID) the median age was 29 years, most participants were black African (60%), and 24% reported homelessness. 82% reported substance use in the last month, including alcohol (46%) and heroin (33%). 75% were sexually active in the previous month, with condom use at last sex at 74%. HIV prevalence was 37% (highest among SWs at 47%), HBsAg prevalence 4% (similar across KPs) and HCV prevalence was 16% (highest among PWUD/ID at 46%). Conclusions HBV, HCV and HIV pose a health burden for KPs in South Africa. While HIV is key for all included KPs, HCV is of particular importance to PWUD/ID. For KPs, HBV vaccination and behavioural change interventions that support consistent condom and lubricant access and use are needed. Coverage of opioid substitution therapy and needle and syringe services, and access to HCV treatment for PWUD/ID need to be expanded.

In 2016, WHO adopted a strategy for the elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030. Africa, and more specifically, sub-Saharan Africa, carries a substantial portion of the global burden of viral hepatitis, especially chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections. The task that lies ahead for sub-Saharan Africa to achieve elimination is substantial, but not insurmountable. Major developments in the management of hepatitis C have put elimination within reach, but several difficulties will need to be navigated on the path to elimination. Many of the challenges faced are unique to sub-Saharan Africa and the development of strategies is complicated by a scarcity of good data from countries and regions within sub-Saharan Africa. However, this hindrance should not act as a barrier to delay interventions in screening, detection, and linkage to care. Moreover, by sharing experiences from across sub-Saharan Africa, countries can create supranational synergies to develop their programmes and work together in a more cohesive manner to tackle the burden of hepatitis C in sub-Saharan Africa. In this Series paper, several issues related to hepatitis C in sub-Saharan Africa are addressed, including prevalence, risk factors, and fibrosis assessment, and recommendations are given by experts from across the region. Simplified diagnostic algorithms and treatment regimens for both HIV co-infected and hepatitis C mono-infected patients are suggested. The recommendations are consensus based and provided to guide the development of programmes in sub-Saharan Africa. Political will and appropriate funding will be required to provide impetus to implement these recommendations.

The WHO global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis, created in May, 2016, aims to achieve a 90% reduction in new cases of chronic hepatitis B and C and a 65% reduction in mortality due to hepatitis B and C by 2030. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, and despite the introduction of universal hepatitis B vaccination and effective antiviral therapy, the estimated overall seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen remains high at 6·1% (95% uncertainty interval 4·6-8·5). In this Series paper, we have reviewed the literature to examine the epidemiology, burden of liver disease, and elimination strategies of hepatitis B in sub-Saharan Africa. This paper reflects a supranational perspective of sub-Saharan Africa, and recommends several priority elimination strategies that address the need both to prevent new infections and to diagnose and treat chronic infections. The key to achieving these elimination goals in sub-Saharan Africa is the effective prevention of new infections via universal implementation of the HBV birth-dose vaccine, full vaccine coverage, access to affordable diagnostics to identify HBV-infected individuals, and to enable linkage to care and antiviral therapy.

Summary Background Hepatitis B causes more than 800 000 deaths globally each year. Perinatal infections are a major driver of this burden but can be prevented by vaccination within 24 h of birth. Currently, only 44% of newborn babies in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) receive a timely birth dose. We investigated the effects and cost-effectiveness of implementing ambient storage of hepatitis B vaccines under a controlled temperature chain (CTC) protocol and the use of compact prefilled auto-disable (CPAD) devices for community births. Methods In this mathematical modelling study of perinatal hepatitis B transmission and disease progression, we estimated the coverage impact and cost-effectiveness of implementing CTC and CPAD interventions in the six Global Burden of Disease (GBD) regions containing LMICs. Combinations of four different scenarios of birth dose delivery strategies (cold chain, CTC) and interventions (needle and syringe, CPAD) were modelled across facility or community birth locations. We also estimated the minimum cost and most cost-effective strategy to achieve the WHO 90% hepatitis B birth dose coverage target in GBD regions and in 46 LMICs with a reported coverage of less than 90%. Findings Current delivery protocols achieved a maximum coverage of 65% (IQR 64–65) across GBD regions. Reaching 90% hepatitis B birth dose coverage across all GBD regions was estimated to cost a minimum of US$687·5 million per annum ($494·0 million more than the estimated current expenditure), of which $516·5 million (75%) was required for CTC and CPAD interventions. Reaching 90% coverage in this way was estimated to be cost saving in five of the six regions (and in 40 of 46 LMICs individually assessed) due to the disease costs averted, with the cost per disability-adjusted life-years averted being less than $83·27 otherwise. Interpretation Hepatitis B birth dose coverage of 90% is unlikely to be reached under current protocols. CTC and CPAD vaccine strategies present cost-effective solutions to overcome coverage barriers. Funding The Burnet Institute.

Hepatitis B is endemic in sub-Saharan Africa with ~60 million people chronically infected. While prevention, through vaccination, is central to elimination strategies, only 11 countries have birth dose vaccination and full vaccine coverage remains at suboptimal levels. Furthermore, to fully realize elimination, those chronically infected need to be identified, assessed for therapy and then linked to care. Given current treatment criteria, the precise quantum of people warranting therapy, according to criteria, is essentially unknown. The issue is further complicated by data to suggest differences in the numbers of people requiring treatment when applying WHO as compared to European Association for the Study of the Liver, EASL, criteria. Optimal determination of treatment eligibility is further hindered by the lack of available tools to adequately assess individual patients. It is conceivable that accurately determining the number of those requiring treatment, given the heterogeneity of hepatitis B in Africa, is difficult. Better studies and data are required. More signifcantly, improved access and availability to the diagnostic tools needed to assess patients in additon to access to drugs are as, if not more important, to achieve elimination.

Background: People who use drugs including people who inject drugs (PWUD/ID), sex workers (SWs) and men who have sex with men (MSM) are at increased risk for HIV and viral hepatitis infection. Limited data exists on the epidemiology of these infections among these key population groups (KPs) in South Africa. We aimed to describe the prevalence of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV and related risk factors among these KPs to inform effective responses. Methods: We aimed to recruit 3 500 KPs across Cape Town (SWs, MSM, PWUD/ID), Durban (SWs, PWUD/ID), Pietermaritzburg (SWs), Mthatha (SWs), Port Elizabeth (SWs), Johannesburg (MSM) and Pretoria (MSM and PWUD/ID) for participation in a cross-sectional survey. We used an interviewer administered questionnaire to assess socio-demographic characteristics, drug use and sexual risk practices. We tested for HCV (antibody, viral load and genotype), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HIV antibody. We used descriptive statistics to explore data, which was stratified by KP. Results: Among the 3 439 included in the study (1 528 SWs, 746 MSM, 1 165 PWUD/ID) the median age was 29 years, most participants were black African (60%), and 24% reported homelessness. 82% reported substance use in the last month, including alcohol (46%) and heroin (33%). 75% were sexually active in the previous month, with condom use at last sex at 74%. HIV prevalence was 37% (highest among SWs at 47%), HBsAg prevalence 4% (similar across KPs) and HCV prevalence of 16% (highest among PWUD/ID at 46%). Conclusions: HCV, HBV and HIV are major health threats for KPs in South Africa. While HIV is an important condition for all included KPs, HCV is of particular importance to PWUD/ID. For KPs, HBV vaccination and behaviour change interventions that support consistent condom and lubricant access and use are needed. Coverage of opioid substitution therapy and needle and syringe services and access to HCV treatment for PWUD/ID need to be expanded.

Background People who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for hepatitis C (HCV), hepatitis B (HBV) and HIV without accessible harm reduction programmes. Coverage of needle and syringe and opioid substitution therapy (OST) services in South Africa is below global recommendations and no hepatitis services exist for PWID. We assessed HCV, HBV and HIV prevalence and risk factors among PWID accessing harm reduction services in Cape Town, Durban and Pretoria to inform policy and programming. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among PWID in these cities between August 2016 and October 2017. Participants were opportunistically sampled while accessing services. Study team members administered a questionnaire that assessed sociodemographic characteristics, drug use and sexual risk practices. We tested for HCV (antibody, viral load and genotype), HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HIV. Bivariate and multivariate analyses assessed associations with HCV serostatus. Results Nine hundred and forty-three PWID were included in the per protocol analysis. The majority (87%, 819/943) were male, the overall median age was 29 and most lived on the street (66%, 626/943). At last injection, 77% (722/943) reported using a new needle and syringe and 17% (163/943) shared equipment. HIV prevalence was 21% (196/926), HBsAg positivity 5% (47/936), HCV seroprevalence 55% (513/937), HCV viraemic prevalence (proportion tested with detectable HCV) 43% (404/937) and HCV viraemic rate (proportion HCV antibody positive with detectable HCV) 79% (404/513). HCV genotype 1a (73%, 270/368) was the most prevalent. In multivariate analysis, HCV infection was positively associated with residing in Pretoria (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.27, 95% CI 1.21–1.34), living on the street (aOR 1.90, 95% CI 1.38–2.60), frequent injecting (aOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.15–2.16) and HIV infection (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.15–2.47), and negatively associated with black race (aOR 0.52, 95% CI 0.36–0.74) and sexual activity in the previous month (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.42–0.88). Conclusions HCV and HIV are major health threats affecting PWID in these cities. Access to OST and needle and syringe services needs to be increased and integrated with HCV services. Social and structural factors affecting PWID who live on the street need to be addressed.

Aims N-acetylcysteine (NAC) may be useful in the management of non-paracetamol drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Our objective was to review systematically evidence for the use of NAC as a therapeutic option for non-paracetamol DILI. Methods We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and prospective cohort studies. We searched several bibliographic databases, grey literature sources, conference proceedings and ongoing trials. Our pre-specified primary outcomes were all cause and DILI related mortality, time to normalization of liver biochemistry and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were proportion receiving liver transplant, time to transplantation, transplant-free survival and hospitalization duration. Results We identified one RCT of NAC vs. placebo in patients with non-paracetamol acute liver failure. There was no difference in the primary outcomes of overall survival at 3 weeks between NAC [70%, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 60%, 81%, n = 81] and placebo (66%, 95% CI = 56%, 77%, n = 92). NAC significantly improved the secondary outcomes of transplant-free survival compared with placebo: 40% NAC (95% CI = 28%, 51%) vs. 27% placebo (95% CI = 18%, 37%). A subgroup analysis according to aetiology found improved transplant-free survival in patients with non-paracetamol DILI, NAC (58%, n = 19) vs. placebo (27%, n = 26), odds ratio (OR) 0.27 (95% CI = 0.076, 0.942). Overall survival was similar, NAC (79%) vs. placebo (65%);, OR 0.50 (95% CI = 0.13, 1.98). Conclusion Current available evidence is limited and does not allow for any firm conclusions to be made regarding the role of NAC in non-paracetamol DILI. We therefore highlight the need for further research in this area.

Summary Background The controlled temperature chain (CTC) strategy allows vaccines to be kept outside the cold chain for a short period of time. In remote rural areas, the CTC strategy for the hepatitis B virus (HBV) birth dose vaccination could improve its geographical coverage and timeliness of delivery, but with additional outreach costs. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of the CTC strategy for the HBV birth dose across six world regions and 72 countries according to their HBV prevalence, delivery costs, and birth dose coverage and timing. Methods By use of a mathematical model of perinatal HBV transmission and disease progression, we calculated per 1000 births the total HBV-related disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) and costs, including vaccine delivery costs and costs associated with HBV-related disease, with and without the CTC strategy. Findings A CTC strategy produced health benefits in all regions and was cost-saving in the regions of east Asia and Pacific, Latin America and Caribbean, sub-Saharan Africa, and north Africa and Middle East. The CTC strategy cost US$0·15 (IQR −7·11 to 4·75) per DALY averted in the central and eastern Europe and central Asia region and $79·72 (66·47 to 94·47) in the south Asia region. Within individual countries, more savings were achieved and more DALYs averted in areas with above average HBV prevalence, below average birth dose coverage, or later than average birth dose delivery. Interpretation A CTC outreach strategy that improves the timing and coverage of the HBV birth dose vaccination is likely to be cost-saving and reduce the burden of HBV infection associated with perinatal transmission. Funding Burnet Institute.

Disparities in health reflect the differences in the incidence, prevalence, burden of disease and access to care determined by socio-economic and environmental factors. With liver disease, these disparities are exacerbated by a combination of limited awareness and preventable causes of morbidity and mortality in addition to the diagnostic and management costs. Sub-Saharan Africa, comprising 11% of the world's population, disproportionately has 24% of the global disease burden, yet allocates

Liver disease complicates human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome; however, liver pathology data are limited, particularly from high HIV prevalence countries. We investigated the spectrum and clinicopathological correlates of liver pathology in a high HIV burden setting. In a single-center study, all HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients with complete clinical and demographic data who underwent liver biopsy were analyzed and clinicopathologically assessed by hepatologists and one of two experienced liver pathologists. We evaluated 301 patients, with a median age of 34 (interquartile range 29-40) years. Women (n = 143) were younger than men (n = 158), with a median age of 33 (interquartile range 28-37) versus 35 (interquartile range 31-41) years, P = 0.001. The majority, 76.1%, were black African. Median CD4 at time of biopsy was 127 (52-260) cells/mm(3) . Drug-induced liver injury was the predominant finding (42.2%), followed by granulomatous inflammation (29%), steatosis/steatohepatitis (19.3%), hepatitis B (19%), and hepatitis C coinfection (3.3%), with more than one pathology in 16.2%. With granulomatous inflammation, 52% met the criteria for tuberculosis immune reconstitution syndrome. By univariate analysis, cotrimoxazole and antiretroviral therapy conferred risk for drug injury (odds ratio [OR] = 2.78 [1.72-4.48], P 0.001; OR = 1.69 [1.06-2.68], P = 0.027). In multivariate analysis, cotrimoxazole was associated with a cholestatic or ductopenic injury (OR = 7.05 [2.50-19.89], P 0.001; OR = 17.6 [3.26-95.3], P 0.0001); efavirenz was associated with nonspecific hepatitis or submassive necrosis (OR = 4.3 [1.92-9.83], P 0.001; OR = 10.46 [2.7-40.5], P 0.001). Cholestatic injury was associated with female gender and a CD4 of200 cells/mm(3) , and submassive necrosis was associated with younger age. Hepatitis B demonstrated no association.In a high HIV burden area, drug-induced liver injury due to antiretroviral therapy and cotrimoxazole was a frequent clinicopathological finding; Mycobacterium tuberculosis was the leading opportunistic infection, with more than half of patients fulfilling criteria for tuberculosis immune reconstitution syndrome; liver biopsy remains a useful diagnostic procedure in this setting.

The International AIDS Society convened the 3rd International HIV/Viral Hepatitis Co-Infection Meeting on 17 July 2016 as part of the pre-conference program preceding the 21st International AIDS Conference held in Durban, South Africa. The meeting brought together a diversity of scientific, technical and community interests to discuss opportunities and challenges for increased prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis in people living with HIV, particularly in low- and middle-income settings. The objectives of the meeting were:i.To review the latest therapeutic developments in viral hepatitis;ii.To identify challenges such as high cost of medications for hepatitis C virus (HCV) and risk of developing viral resistance, and successes, such as the provision of HCV treatment in community-based settings, movements to reduce drug costs and increasing access, in relation to scaling up diagnosis, screening, antiviral treatment and prevention of viral hepatitis;iii.To advance the agenda for elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health problem. Discussions centred around the six key interventions outlined by the World Health Organization Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis 2016–2021: hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination (including birth dose); safe injection practices plus safe blood; harm reduction among people who inject drugs; safer sex practices; hepatitis B treatment; and hepatitis C cure. This article summarizes the main issues and findings discussed during the pre-conference meeting. One of the recommendations from the meeting delegates is universal implementation of birth dose vaccination for HBV without further delay to prevent mother-to-child transmission of infection. There is also the need to implement screening and treatment of hepatitis among pregnant women. A call was made for concerted efforts to be put together by all stakeholders towards addressing some of the structural barriers, including criminalization of drug use, discrimination and stigma that people living with viral hepatitis face. Finally, the need for greater advocacy was highlighted to enable access to therapy of viral hepatitis at lower cost than currently prevails. Implementation of these resolutions will help in achieving the target of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat.

textabstractAIM To conduct a prospective assessment of anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) IgG seroprevalence in the Western Cape Province of South Africa in conjunction with evaluating risk factors for exposure. METHODS Consenting participants attending clinics and wards of Groote Schuur, Red Cross Children's Hospital and their affiliated teaching hospitals in Cape Town, South Africa, were sampled. Healthy adults attending blood donor clinics were also recruited. Patients with known liver disease were excluded and all major ethnic/race groups were included to broadly represent local demographics. Relevant demographic data was captured at the time of sampling using an interviewer-administered confidential questionnaire. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status was self-disclosed. HEV IgG testing was performed using the Wantai assay. RESULTS HEV is endemic in the region with a seroprevalence of 27.9% (n = 324/1161) 95%CI: 25.3%-30.5% (21.9% when age-adjusted) with no significant differences between ethnic groups or HIV status. Seroprevalence in children is low but rapidly increases in early adulthood. With univariate analysis, age ? 30 years old, pork and bacon/ham consumption suggested risk. In the multivariate analysis, the highest risk factor for HEV IgG seropositivity (OR = 7.679, 95%CI: 5.38-10.96, p < 0.001) was being 30 years or older followed by pork consumption (OR = 2.052, 95%CI: 1.39-3.03, p < 0.001). A recent clinical case demonstrates that HEV genotype 3 may be currently circulating in the Western Cape. CONCLUSION Hepatitis E seroprevalence was considerably higher than previously thought suggesting that hepatitis E warrants consideration in any patient presenting with an unexplained hepatitis in the Western Cape, irrespective of travel history, age or ethnicity.

Globally, hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant yet preventable health issue. In South Africa, seroprevalence prior to the vaccine introduction in 1995 ranged between 0.3and 15% with differences observed in ethnic groups, provinces and rural versus urban areas.1 Vaccination has reduced incidence although with no catch-up schedule, those born before vaccination or incompletely vaccinated, remain at risk.2 Chronic HBV infection elevates the risk of cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Acute HBV carries low mortality but potentially significant morbidity for a professional sportsperson. We report a professional rugby player, incidentally found to have chronic HBV infection. Born before 1995, his HBV acquisition was likely in childhood before age 5, in keeping with HBV epidemiology in sub-Saharan Africa. He used no alcohol, illicit substances or performance enhancing drugs. Table 1 lists his workup identifying the immune clearance/active phase of chronic HBV infection with HBeAg positive, alanine transaminase >5X elevated and a markedly elevated viral load of >log 9 IU/mL. Examination was normal and …

The differential diagnoses in patients with advanced HIV/AIDS presenting with fever and systemic illness is wide and warrants both infectious and non-infectious considerations. The need to make an early and accurate diagnosis is important to effect correct therapy and thus improve outcome. We describe a patient with several co-morbidities and an unusual disseminated fungal infection.