A Review of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B Virus Co-Infection in Botswana

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, contributing to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for an estimated 68% of incident HBV infections, where co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is common and associated with poorer clinical outcomes. In Botswana, limited HBV screening and the absence of established HBV management guidelines persist despite reported HIV-HBV co-infection rates ranging from 1.1% to 10.6%. This scoping review aimed to summarise existing research on HBV and HIV-HBV co-infection in Botswana and assess clinical and policy implications. Following PRISMA methodology, searches were conducted across PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and Consensus databases. Thirty eligible peer-reviewed studies were identified and evaluated for prevalence data, virological characteristics, genotypes, mutations, treatment outcomes, vaccination programs, and the availability of guidelines. Findings indicate intermediate-to-high HBV and HIV-HBV disease burden, substantial occult HBV infection, and gaps in diagnostic and preventive practices. The lack of routine screening, deficient infant birth-dose and adult vaccination, and established treatment pathways likely increase the risk of HBV-associated morbidity and mortality. Strengthened public health interventions, including expanded testing, enhanced vaccination coverage, and prevention of mother-to-child transmission strategies, are recommended to improve disease control and clinical outcomes in Botswana.