Abstract
Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) is common among prisoners suggesting them as one of the main infection source in the community; Hence in this study, we evaluated the sero-prevalence of this infection among jail inmates in Bali prison, Taraba State Nigeria between August and November 2013. The sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B among the random population of sentenced prison inmates was investigated. We examined a total of fifty (50) inmates (49 males and 1 female). All collected blood samples were tested for Hepatitis B surface Antigen antibodies using rapid test strip (Global). An overall prevalence rate of 18% ( 9 positive inmates) was observed. Male inmates were mostly infected while the only female inmate was not. Inmates between the age group 20 - 29 years had higher infection rate. There was significant association (p<0.01) between age, sex and HBsAg sero-positivity in this study. This study confirms the presence of HBsAg among jailed inmates in Bali prison. Regular testing for hepatitis B virus antibodies in prisons is necessary to identify those already infected and those in need of specific health care to help limit further transmission of the disease within and outside the prison. Furthermore, introduction of effective preventive measures is recommended and uninfected inmates should be vaccinated as this will reduce the spread of the disease.
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