Sero-epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus and Malaria (Plasmodium falciparum) Co-infection among pregnant women Attending National Hospital Abuja in Central Nigeria
Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus is an RNA virus of the flaviviridae family and appears to have humans and chimpanzees as the only species susceptible to its infection [1]. Infection is often asymptomatic but once established, chronic infection can lead to scarring of the liver (fibrosis) and advanced scarring (cirrhosis) which is generally apparent after many years [2]. It is a major and growing public health problem that can easily lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [3]. Methods This study was conducted on one hundred and thirty (130) pregnant women of reproductive age (15 – 45 years) who were randomly selected at National hospital Abuja. 5 ml of blood was obtained from study participants for rapid HCV screening and malaria thick films and thin films for parasite densities and parasite species identification. Result The preponderance of HCV was 130 (17.1%), malaria (49.4%) and HCV and malaria co-infection was (10.9%), of the hundred and thirty (130) samples obtained from pregnant women in the Abuja National Hospital. Conclusion The sero-prevalence of HCV infection and its infectivity is high in central Nigeria. This study findings guide the want for routine HCV and malaria screening among pregnant women at some stage in antenatal care within the region and Nigeria. It also form a base for continual education campaign about HCV amongst rural/Urban pregnant mothers/women and food vendors in central states and other parts of Nigeria. Those efforts will guarantee top of the line and better outcome for excellent health care delivery for the expecting mothers and other health care providers in our hospitals.