Abstract
The prevalence of Hepatitis B and C infection varies between different regions of Sudan according to several published reports. The present study is a descriptive hospital-based study aimed to estimate prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-Hepatitis C virus antibodies among 3172 patients undergoing surgery at Al-Shaab Teaching Hospital in Khartoum from April 2008 to April 2011. All patients were screened by rapid chromatography immunoassay for qualitative detection of Hepatitis B surface antigen and anti-Hepatitis C virus antibodies. The mean age of the studied subjects was 44 years; 61.1% of them were males and 38.9% were females. Hepatitis B surface antigen was detected in 156 patients (4.91%), while anti-Hepatitis C virus antibodies were detected in 58 patients (1.82%). The prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen is slightly higher in males (5.46%), than females (4.04%); however, it is statistically insignificant (P= 0.08). In conclusion, the present study reported a prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen which is lower than what has previously been reported in Sudan. Key words: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), prevalence, Khartoum, Sudan
Highlights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are common causes of liver disease globally
The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies among patients who undergo different surgical interventions in Al-Shaab Teaching Hospital in Khartoum State
The HBsAg was detected in 156 patients (4.91%, 95% CI 4.2%-5.7%), while anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 58 patients (1.82%, 95% CI 1.4%2.4%)
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are common causes of liver disease globally. The HBV is a major public health challenge due to its worldwide distribution, chronic persistence and complications. Infections with HCV are pandemic and the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates a world-wide. Infection with HBV and HCV is primarily blood borne or parenterally transmitted. Routes of parenteral transmission include contaminated blood and blood products, needle sharing, reuse of contaminated razors by barbers, tattooing devices, haemo-dialysis, acupuncture needles and contaminated medical devices. Other modes of transmission include sexual promiscuity and vertical transmission in the early childhood (Alain et al, 2002; Henderson, 2003; Levine et al, 1994; Ranger-Rogez et al, 2002; Stauber, 2000)
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