Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibodies to Hepatitis C in the General Population of Benue State, Central Nigeria.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Antibodies to Hepatitis C in the General Population of Benue State, Central Nigeria. Am J Trop Med Hyg. 2020 Feb 10;: Authors: Malu AO, Achinge GI, Utoo PM, Kur JT, Obekpa SA Abstract There have been various estimates of the prevalence of hepatitis B and C infections in Nigeria. Recent studies have shown the prevalence to be lower than previously reported. The different populations studied might be responsible for this. It is important to have a real population data that would inform the policies to be adopted for eradication. We set out to determine the prevalence, risk factors, and pattern of hepatitis B and C in Benue State, Central Nigeria. Four thousand and five (4,005) subjects, aged 1 year and older, were selected through a multistage random sampling to represent all parts of the state. Trained health workers administered a validated questionnaire. Rapid test kits were standardized and used in determining the prevalence of the respective viruses. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) were found to be positive in 5% and 1%, respectively, of subjects screened. The prevalence varied from one local government area to another, with HBsAg being 8% in the highest to 2% in the lowest LGC, and anti-HCV being 3% in the highest and 0% in the lowest. Age, previous close contact with a patient, and multiple sex partners were the most important risk f...
Source: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Tags: Am J Trop Med Hyg Source Type: research