ABSTRACT
The seroprevalence of hepatitis B
infection was investigated among patients attending General Hospital Ezzamgbo.
A total of 448 sera specimens collected from asymptomatic patients were
screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using three different HBsAg
rapid test strip (ACON, ANTEK and WELCOME strips).
Data were subjected to
analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the SAS System and Chi square to test for
significant difference at 95% confidence interval. Of the 448 asymptomatic
patients, 37 (8.3%) were positive for the hepatitis B virus infection. Also,
21-30 years had the highest rate of HBV infection with significant difference
(p<0.05). Based on sex, cases among female patients with 22 (10.0%) prevalence
was higher but not significantly different (p>0.05) from cases among male
patients with 15 (7.4%). Occupationally, motorists were more infected though
not significantly different (p.>0.05). Furthermore, for reported risk
factors, patents with previous history of blood/blood product transfusion were
more infected with hepatitis B. More infections were found in patients from
lower class than in middle and upper classes (p<0.05). Although, married and
singles did not differ significantly (p>0.05) in HBsAg seropositivity. More infections
were found in married 29(9.0%) than in single 8(6.4%). Based on patients
educational level, patients with primary education had the highest rate of
infection 7 (12.1%) and there was a significant difference (p<0.05) with
respect to educational level (p<0.05). Seroprevalence of HBV in asymptomatic
patients was high in this study and this call for general surveillance, mass
immunization and public health education to curtail the spread of the virus and
its consequences.
Aims
of the Study
1.
To determine the
sero-prevalance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among the patients who
attended General Hospital Ezzangbo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
2.
To determine the
socio-demographic distribution of patients with hepatitis B surface antigen
(HBsAg) in the study area.
Nworie
Okoro1, Ekuma Uchechukwu Onyeukwu2, Okoli Chukwudum
Somadina2, Okonkwo Euharia Chinyere2, and Orji Ikechukwu3.
1 Department of Biological Sciences Federal
University Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi State
2 Department of Applied Microbiology Ebonyi State University,
Abakaliki
3 Department of Microbiology Federal Teaching
Hospital Abakaliki
SERO-PREVALENCE
OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS INFECTION AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING GENERAL HOSPITAL
EZZAMGBO, EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA
Applied Microbiology Department Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki
Key Words: Hepatitis B, Serum, Prevalence.