scholarly journals Detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Febrile Patients in Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Cornelius Arome Omatola ◽  
Bernard Anyebe Onoja ◽  
Joseph Agama

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has become a significant public health problem in developing countries, and the high rate of morbidity and mortality from acute and chronic infections is worrisome. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence of HBV and associated risk factors in Ankpa, Kogi State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods. Sera randomly collected from 200 participants in three public hospitals in Ankpa were screened for HBsAg using commercially available HBsAg rapid test kit (Swe-Care (R), China). Structured questionnaires were used to obtain sociodemographic details and history of exposure to risk factors. Results. Seventeen (8.5%) of the 200 patients were positive for HBsAg. Males had higher prevalence (10.89%) than females (6.06%). The age group with the highest rate of infection was 24–44 years. Patient’s occupation and marital status were significantly higher in relation to HBsAg seropositivity. Risks of HBV infection in Ankpa are sharing of sharp objects (OR = 11.62, 95% CI, 3.59–37.59), multiple sexual partners (OR = 3.39, 95% CI, 1.23–9.38), blood transfusion (OR = 13.74, 95% CI, 4.22–44.71), surgeries (OR = 3.02, 95% CI, 1.03–8.83), alcoholism (OR = 6.94, 95% CI, 2.32–20.75), mouth-to-mouth kissing (p=0.001), and contact with HBV patient (OR = 4.14, 95% CI, 1.01–17.06). People without prior knowledge of HBV infection were more infected. Conclusion. This study reaffirms the endemicity of HBV in a part of sub-Saharan African country. Public health practitioners should focus attention on apparently healthy patients in developing countries. We suggest inclusion of HBsAg screening for patients coming for routine hospital care.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Osei ◽  
John Niyilapah ◽  
Gregory Kofi Amenuvegbe

Background. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem in many parts of the world. The risk of acquiring the infection through exposure to blood, semen, and other bodily fluids is highest among health care workers (HCW) including trainees. Ghana is considered a high risk country for HBV; however little is known about the knowledge and prevention practices of the infection in the country. This study assessed the knowledge, testing, and vaccination history of HBV and their related factors among undergraduate public health students of University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ghana. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 226 students using a pretested questionnaire to assess Hepatitis B knowledge, testing, and vaccination history of the students. We performed logistic regression analysis to examine the relationship between Hepatitis B testing and vaccination history and participants’ characteristics. Data was analysed using Stata Version 12. Results. Majority 169 (73.9%) of the 226 participants studied had moderate knowledge regarding HBV infection. About half 114 (50.4%) of them had never been tested for HBV infection, and 100 (44.2%) had received at least a single dose of Hepatitis B vaccine. The completed vaccination rate among the students was 30.5%. Students in their 2nd year (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 3.13; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.13, 7.52; p<0.011) and those with moderate (AOR: 4.76; 95% CI; 1.35, 16.82; P=0.015) and good (AOR: 5.40; 95% CI: 1.31, 22.36; P=0.020) level of knowledge were more likely to be tested for HBV. With regard to vaccination, females (AOR: 1.85; 95%CI: 1.04-3.29; P=0.037) and regular students (AOR: 0.37; 95%CI: 0.19, 0.70; p=0.002) were associated with receiving the full dose of Hepatitis B vaccine. Conclusion. This study highlights the urgent need for continued health education on HBV infection and strategies that ensure that health trainees are screened and fully vaccinated against the infection to prevent potential future exposure to the virus. The students’ representative council can organize free HBV testing and vaccination for all fresh students.


2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Lahchaichi ◽  
M Ben Hadj ◽  
H Bouguerra ◽  
K Talmoudi ◽  
A Bahrini ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem. Data related to epidemiology, distributions and outcomes of VHB infections in Tunisia remains scarce. This work aimed to study the prevalence of HBV infections and their distribution as well as the main risk factors associated to HBV infection. Methods Our study was a cross-sectional household- based study carried out among a representative sample of 22 275 from January 2014 to December 2015. Sampling was based on the National Census of 2014. For data collection, questionnaires were administrated by trained investigator and blood samples were sent to the Reference laboratory for analysis of HBV markers. Results Among 21720 surveyed subjects, 19663 subjects had a laboratory tests and the serological results reached to 19155. Overall prevalence of HBs Ag was 1.7% [1.6-1.9]. Prevalence of HBsAg was significantly higher in men (2.1% against 1.4%; p &lt; 10-3), in age group more than 20 years (2.1% against 0.1% p ≪10-3) and in the Central region (2.3%; p &lt; 10-3). Among the associated risk factors in univariate analysis were chronic dialysis, dental care, surgical intervention, hospitalization, traditional circumcision, scarification and multiple sexual partners. Multivariate analysis showed that male gender, age over 20 years, center and south regions, hospital follow-up of a chronic pathology and having a family member chronic carrier of HBs Ag were the associated risk factors of HBV infection and vaccination was the only protective factor. Conclusions Our study allowed to have a clear estimate of the national prevalence of HBsAg and to classify Tunisia as a country of low endemicity of Hepatitis B. This decline is mainly due to the introduction of vaccination since 1995 and the improvement of the health system. However, more efforts should be paid to reduce nosocomial transmission and traditional high-risk behaviors. Key messages Tunisia has become a country of low endemicity for hepatitis B. This was a result to the introduction of vaccination since 1995.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zainab Groof ◽  
Ghadeer Garashi ◽  
Hamid Husain ◽  
Shaikhah Owayed ◽  
Shaima AlBader ◽  
...  

Objective. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a growing global public health problem that can have short- and long-term health consequences for the mother and the child. Despite its criticalness, many countries still do not have the epidemiological data which could guide them in responding to the problem. Due to the lack of knowledge on GDM and the fact that diabetes and obesity are high in Kuwait, this study sought to estimate the prevalence of GDM and determine its risk factors and outcomes. Methods. This cross-sectional study enrolled 947 mothers living in Kuwait, who had given birth within the previous four years. Participants were recruited from primary health care clinics and public hospitals. GDM status was self-reported by the mother. Associations between exposures and outcomes were evaluated using logistic regression, and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. Results. Of the 868 mothers with no prior history of diabetes mellitus, 109 (12.6%, 95% CI: 10.4, 14.8) reported having been given a GDM diagnosis during their last pregnancy. The prevalence of GDM increased with maternal age and prepregnancy body mass index. GDM was positively associated with caesarean section delivery (aOR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.17, 2.66) and fetal macrosomia (aOR=2.36, 95% CI: 1.14, 4.89). Conclusion. GDM is prevalent in Kuwait and is associated with poor maternal, fetal, and neonatal outcomes. To date, GDM has received little attention, and there is a need for more research to identify and respond to individual and public health implications of GDM in Kuwait.


Author(s):  
Oheneba C.K. Hagan ◽  
Paul Nsiah ◽  
Dorcas Obiri-Yeboah ◽  
Felix Yirdong ◽  
Isaac Annan ◽  
...  

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is of public health importance worldwide. Vaccination against the infection, especially in early childhood has significantly reduced the public health impact. This pilot study was undertaken in Cape Coast Metropolitan area to assess the impact of the introduction of HBV vaccination in children. A cross-sectional multi-stage cluster sampling of 501 pupils from 30 public and private primary and junior high schools within the Cape Coast metropolis. A questionnaire covering basic demographic details and immunisation history were administered to the participants after consent and assent had been sought. Hepatitis B serological test for HBsAg, HBcAb, HBsAb, HBeAg and HbeAb was undertaken using Hepatitis B test kit and capillary blood from the participants. The general prevalence of HBcAb, HBsAg and HBsAb was found to be 3.6, 2.6 and 19.8% respectively. The prevalence of HBcAb was 2.6 and 6.1% among pupils delivered after and before the vaccine programme introduction respectively. Introduction of the vaccination programme in Ghana has had a positive impact on the HBV infection in Ghana.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (02.1) ◽  
pp. 28S
Author(s):  
Mary Nakhoul ◽  
Carine Richa ◽  
Afif Jreij ◽  
Antoine Abou Rached

Introduction: Injection drug users (IVDU) are prone to many blood born viral infections. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) constitute an important public health concern in this high-risk group. The aim of the study is to calculate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Lebanon. Methodology: We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study between June 2015 and June 2016 on PWIDs recruited through the Lebanese non-governmental organizations in collaboration with the Lebanese ministry of public health. The participants were tested for HBs Antigen and HCV antibody using rapid test kits. The prevalence of each virus was then calculated. The correlation between both infections and other possible risk factors was also analyzed. Results: A total of 250 people were included in our study. 98% were males. Mean age was 31.9-year-old. The prevalence of HBV and HCV among PWID was 1.2% and 15.6%, respectively. Older age, longer duration of drug use, and the lack of awareness were found to be significantly correlated with higher rate of HCV infection. We noted a relatively high rate of sharing needles among PWIDs without significantly affecting the prevalence of both viruses. Conclusion: IVDU remains a major public health concern in Lebanon, being one of the most prevalent subpopulations for chronic viral hepatitis namely the HCV. Appropriate screening strategies, targeted educational programs and adequate HBV vaccination are of extreme importance for further viral prevention among this high-risk group.


2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (10) ◽  
pp. 904-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sirin Cetin ◽  
Meryem Cetin ◽  
Ebru Turhan ◽  
Kenan Dolapcioglu

Introduction: Hepatitis B infection is a serious global public health problem. The aim of the study was to assess the seroprevalance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), as well as the risk factors associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care clinics of the University Hospital in Antioch, Turkey. Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out between May 2016 and December 2016. The Chi-squared was utilized to estimate the statistical significance of the association between socio-demographic variables and HBsAg status. The results were generated as proportions odds ratio (OR) with their 95% confidence intervals (Cl) and calculated by using both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The seroprevalence of HBsAg was found to be 2.1%. A significant association was observed between age and HBsAg seropositivity (p = 0.027). History of blood transfusion (AOR = 9.51, 95% CI = 1.92-46.80, p = 0.006), history of hepatitis (AOR = 11.13, 95% CI = 2.02-61.28, p = 0.006), tattooing (AOR = 13.64, 95% CI = 2.52-73.76, p = 0.002) and a history of household/close contact (AOR = 11.10, 95% CI = 1.56-78.65, p = 0.016) were significantly associated with the risk of HBV infection. Conclusions: Data regarding the seroprevalence of HBsAg and risk factors associated with HBV infection in pregnant women plays a crucial role in evaluating the effectiveness of the public health protection policies and the strategies to control the disease.


Author(s):  
P. K. Sehgal ◽  
Anubha Garg

Background: In India, it is mandatory to screen blood donors for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis and malaria. Hepatitis B is a major public health problem worldwide. Approximately 30% of the world’s population or about 2 billion persons have serological evidence of either current or past infection with hepatitis B virus. The prevalence of chronic HBV infection in India ranges from 2% to 10% as shown by different studies. India therefore comes under the intermediate to high endemicity category. The objective of this study was to carry out with the aim to find out the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B infection and its trend among the blood donors a hospital based blood transfusion service set up in north India over a period of seven years.Methods: It was record based retrospective study from 2007 to 2013. Before donation "Blood Donation Form" had been filled by every donor and this form had particulars about age, gender, address, and occupation, date of previous donation, any illness and medical treatment taken. The donor blood samples were collected at the time of blood donation from the primary bag and HbsAg screening was done using rapid test kit based on the principle of a one-step immunoassay. Samples showing repeat test reactivity on both methods were considered positive and were included for calculation of seroprevalence.Results: A prevalence of 01.13% of hepatitis B infection was seen among the donors from the period 2007-2013. The trend of hepatitis B prevalence among donors has been fluctuating while ranging from 0.94% to 1.63%.Conclusions: Reduction in seroprevalence among voluntary donors requires an effective donor education and high quality selection programme especially during big blood donation camps. For a safe blood service in our country, where comprehensive laboratory tests are neither possible nor pragmatic, it is best to switch over to 100% voluntary donations, as it is now established that only voluntary non-remunerated regular donation is the safest. Thus, one of our key strategies to enhance blood safety is to focus on motivating non-remunerated blood donors and phasing out even replacement donors.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joël Brice Ngoupa ◽  
Patrick Achiangia Njukeng ◽  
Eric Ngoh Akwa ◽  
Michel Kengne ◽  
Ubald Tamoufe ◽  
...  

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem in Africa and worldwide. Barbers are regularly in contact with the blood fluid of their clients, who could develop skin cuts and abrasions during shaving practices. There is scarcity of information about HBV among barbers in Cameroon. This study presents seroprevalence and associated risk factors for HBV infection among barbers and their clients in two cities (Yaounde and Douala) in Cameroon.Methods: Three millilitres of venous blood was collected into EDTA tubes from each of the 262 consenting participants. Plasma was obtained and transported to the Military Health Research Centre (CRESAR) for analysis. Sociodemographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was determined by a rapid diagnostic test (DiaSpot HBsAg) and confirmed with an ELISA sandwich test. Data were analysed using SPSS, version 21.Results: Thirty-three participants tested positive, giving an overall prevalence of 12.6%. A seroprevalence of 15.0% and 10.6% was obtained for barbers and their clients respectively. In Yaounde, the frequency of HBsAg among barbers and their clients was 14.9% and 10.4% respectively, while in Douala it was 15.4% and 11.1% respectively. However, no statistically significant difference was observed in these groups. There was also no statistically significant association between the knowledge of the modes of HBV transmissions and HBV status.Conclusion: The present study reveals that the rate of HBsAg among the study population is high in Cameroon and most people are not still properly sensitised regarding prevention measures.


Author(s):  
Hassan A. Al-Shamahy ◽  
Mohammed Auad Ajrah ◽  
Anwar G Al-Madhaji ◽  
Basam Basim Mohammed Al-Fraji ◽  
Mohammed Auad Ajrah Ajrah ◽  
...  

The global epidemic of hepatitis B is a significant public health problem. The endemicity of HBV infection used to be believed high in Yemen. Data for the prevalence of HBsAg among children in rural and urban areas in Yemen is scarce and incompetent. The study was made to determine prevalence of HB surface antigen among children in 2 selected areas in Yemen. Eight hundred forty and 212 children were randomly chosen from Sana'a city and Shabowah governorate, respectively. Sera were tested for HBs antigen by ELISA technique, and HB genome was tested for positive HB surface antigen specimens to confirm positivity using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -based test. Each's data collected in a pre-designed questionnaire including sex, age, and risk factors of HBV and prior vaccine of HBV. The prevalence of HB surface antigen among children in Sana'a city was only 1.8%, and in Shabowah governorate was 3.8%. There was a significant association of non-vaccinated children, birth by cesarean, and with a history of parental exposure with contracting HBV infection. Evidence from these studies in Yemen suggests that there is a steady increase in exposure to HBV over a lifetime. Hospital-acquired HBV infection is common in Yemen, and high vaccination coverage rate should be achieved, particularly in rural areas, in parallel with health education.


Author(s):  
A. Diarrassouba ◽  
S. F. Toure ◽  
Y. L. C. Karidioula ◽  
A. M. Konan ◽  
A. Traoré ◽  
...  

Aim: Determine the prevalence of serological markers and identify risk factors associated with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection in patients screened at the Bouake teaching hospital. Study Design: Retrospective cross sectional study was conducted Study Site and Period: Bacteriology-Virology Laboratory/Bouake teaching hospital, Côte d´Ivoire, from April 2016 to January 2018. Methodology: In all 1076 study participants, venous blood sample was collected and screened for HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody against HBV core antigen (anti-HBc), by electrochemical-luminescence following the manufacturer protocols.  Additionally, questionnaires were used to collect information regarding sociodemographic variables and possible risk factors for hepatitis B infection.  Data were processed and analyzed using EPI INFO 7 software. Results: A total of 1076 participants were included in this study with a median age of 30.0 years (range: 3 months; 82 years). Of which, 514 (48%) were female and 562 (52%) were male with female / male ratio 1.09. HBsAg was detected in 24,3% of participants and 82 1 (76,3%) were exposed to the risk of HBV infection (anti-HBc positive). High rate of HBV infection was detected in male (27.93%) (p=0.003). The age group of 15–45 years were more infected (27.18%) (p<0.0001). The detection rate of HBe antigen (HBeAg), anti-HBe and anti-HBc (total antibodies) were respectively 12%; 86% and 7%. Of 938 participants who were not vaccinated against HBV, 240 (25.58%) were HBsAg-positive. HBV vaccine uptake was protective against HBV infection (AOR =0.580; 95% CI 0.359-0.938; p=0.024). Conclusion: The rate of carriage of HBs antigen was higer than national rate, which confirms that Bouake is a highly endemic area for HBV infection. Vaccination against Hepatitis B virus is the only way to prevent and to fight effectively against this infection. It is therefore important to encourage the screening and vaccination in the general population.


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