Prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies during a screening campaign in August 2019

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) virus infections represent a major public health problem, with significant mortality and morbidity worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies, and to investigate the risk factors associated with these two infections. Patients and methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out during a free screening campaign for viral hepatitis B and C organized by the University Teaching Hospital of Yaounde from 20th to 23rd August 2019. Screening for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies was carried out using a rapid diagnostic test (On Site HBsAg/HCV Ab Rapid Test (CTK Inc 10110 Mesa Rim Road San Diego, CA 92121 USA) in accordance with the manufacturer’s Instruction. Positive samples had a confirmatory ELISA test. A structured questionnaire was used to investigate the risk factors for viral hepatitis B and C. Results: A total of 746 participants (412 women, 334 men) were registered. The average age of the participants was 29.6 ± 15.5 years. The prevalence of HBsAg was 10.3% (men: 14.7%; women: 7%; p = 0.002). The prevalence of HCV-Ab was 4.7% (men: 6.3%; women: 3.4%; p = 0.08). Unprotected sexual intercourse (59.4%), dental care (38.7%) and scarification (37.1%) were the main factors of HBV and HCV transmission. Male sex (OR = 2.2; IC = 1.3 – 3.6; p = 0.002), lack of vaccination (OR = 3.4; IC = 1.2 – 9.6; p = 0.01), tattoos (OR = 6.6; IC = 1.4 – 30.2; p = 0.02) and close contact with an HBV-infected person (OR = 1.7; IC = 1.01 – 2.9; p = 0.04) were the factors associated with HBV transmission. Age groups ≥ 55 years (OR = 1.3; IC = 1.1 – 1.5; p < 0.0001) and [45 – 54] (OR = 1.06; IC = 1.0 – 1.1; p = 0.03) unprotected sexual intercourse (OR = 3.5; IC = 1.4 – 8.7; p = 0.003), dental care (OR = 2.3; IC = 1.1 – 4.5; p = 0.02) were associated with HCV infection. Conclusion: The prevalences of HBsAg and HCV-Ab are high in this population. Unprotected sexual intercourse, dental care and scarification were the most common risk factors.