Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses and Associated Risk Factors in Patients Suspected of Liver Diseases in Asmara, Eritrea

Abstract

<i>Background</i>: Viral hepatitis is a critical global health challenge and acquiring adequate and recent epidemiological data on Hepatitis B and C infections is important in prevention and control of the disease. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and risk factors related with HBV and HCV infection and associated liver enzymes profile among patients suspected of liver diseases in Asmara, Eritrea. <i>Methods: </i>This was a cross-sectional study carried out among patients suspected of liver diseases. 411 participants were screened for serological markers of anti-HCV and HBsAg using rapid assays which were further confirmed using ELISA. A predesigned structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and risk factors data. Liver function tests were also performed using an automated spectrophotometer analyzer. Furthermore, for every HBV and HCV positive samples viral load was determined. Collected data were then analyzed using SPSS statistical tool. <i>Result: </i>The overall prevalence of HBV and HCV among study participants was 6.6% and 1.7% respectively. Hepatitis virus positive participants had substantially higher mean values of AST, ALT, ALP, total bilirubin and GGT. Viral load mean assay level was 10.6 x 10⁶ IU/ml ranging from 20 IU/ml - 1.7 x 10⁸ IU/ml. There was a significant association between HBsAg and sex (cOR= 4.18, 95% CI: 1.65-10.6), residence area (cOR=2.51, 95% CI: 1.10-5.69). Multivariate logistic analysis showed males were more prone to HBsAg infection (AOR= 3.9; 95% CI: 1.5-10.0). Moreover, prevalence of liver enzyme abnormality was 8.5% (95% CI: 6.1%-8.2%). Among these patients, 24 (5.8%) had cholestatic type, 4 (1%) had hepatocellular, and the rest 7 (1.7%) had mixed type of hepatotoxicity. <i>Conclusion: </i>Though the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection is comparatively low, regular surveillance should be conducted to prevent further spread of disease and achieve global goals of HBV and HCV elimination.