Seroprevalence Of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Research Articles

Impact of National Immunization Strategies on Vaccine-Preventable Diseases - China, 1950-2021.

The incidences of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) included in the Expanded Program on Immunization in China have decreased significantly in recent decades. This study summarizes the national incidences of nine VPDs and the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) under different immunization strategies from 1950 through 2021 in China. The sharpest decreases in VPD incidence and under-5-year HBsAg seroprevalence occurred during the latest stage of the National Immunization Program. The decreases in VPD incidence were most prominent among children under five years of age. These findings provide valuable insights for vaccine value assessment and emphasize the importance of implementing immunization strategies in targeted populations.

A comparative analysis of blood-borne infections among sickle cell anemia patients and first-time donors in Gabon

Managing sickle cell disease often requires transfusions, exposing multi-transfused sickle cell patients to a heightened risk of transfusion-transmitted infections. This study aimed to assess the seroprevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) in multi-transfused sickle cell patients and first-time donors in Libreville. The serological testing for HBsAg, anti-HIV, and anti-HCV antibodies was conducted using commercial enzyme immunoassays and confirmed by the COBAS modular analyzer (Roche Diagnostics). The seroprevalence of HIV, HCV antibodies, and HBsAg was 4%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, in multi-transfused sickle cell patients and 5%, 0%, and 8% in first-time donors. Interestingly, HIV and HBsAg seroprevalence were similar in both groups, indicating that transfusion was not associated with these infections. However, HCV antibody seroprevalence was significantly higher in multi-transfused sickle cell patients than in first-time donors (10% vs. 0%, p<0.001). Furthermore, the presence of anti-HCV antibodies in multi-transfused sickle cell patients was significantly associated with the number of donations received (7.20±2.37 vs. 3.96±2.06, p=0.042). These findings suggest that while blood transfusion is not a significant risk factor for HIV and HBsAg transmission, it may increase the risk of HCV transmission, particularly in multi-transfused sickle cell patients.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B infection among blood donors in Western zone of Tanzania

BackgroundThere is limited information on burden of hepatitis B infection in the Western zone of Tanzania. In this study, we analyzed a dataset from blood donors to determine Hepatitis B virus (HBV) seroprevalence and related socio-demographic factors among blood donors in the Western regions of Tanzania. Material and methodsThis was a cross-sectional retrospective hospital-based study, in which data were retrieved from the blood donor dataset at the Zonal Blood Transfusion Center. The analyzed information from the dataset included reported Transfusion Transmissible Infections (TTIs), which included Hepatitis B, donor demographics, donor status, donor type, donation place, and the year of donation. The analyzed data was retrieved within five years from January 2018 to December 2022. Rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were determined and univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the association between infection and demographic risk factors. ResultsA total of 9604 retrospective blood donors were screened. Majority 8963 (93.3 %) were men, and most of them were under 45 years (89.6 %). Overall, HBsAg seroprevalence was 6.9 % (661), with Katavi (7.8 %) being relatively higher in the studied three regions. The highest HBsAg seroprevalence of 8.2 % (199) was found in the age group ranging from 35 to 44 years. Moreover, 2 (9.5 %) polygamists and 15 (17.1 %) car drivers had relatively high seroprevalence. Results from the multivariate analysis indicated that, car drivers (OR 5.44, 95 % CI; 2.43–12.20, p < 0.001), and first-time donors (OR 5.19, 95 % CI 2.56 = 10.52, P < 0.001), were highly associated with increased chance of getting hepatitis B infection. ConclusionThe findings from this study indicated that, there was high seroprevalence of HBV infection in the Western regions of Tanzania during the studied time period. These findings call for more advocacy on HBV immunization for all groups of persons found at high risk for HBV infection.

Evaluating the hepatitis B vaccination impact in the Republic of Moldova: A nationwide representative serosurvey of children born in 2013

ObjectivesThe WHO European Region set targets for the control of hepatitis B through immunization, including prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at ≤0.5% in vaccinated cohorts. The Republic of Moldova implemented universal hepatitis B vaccination since 1995. We conducted a nationwide representative serosurvey to estimate HBsAg seroprevalence in children born in 2013 to validate hepatitis B control targets. MethodsWe used probability-based sampling and a two-stage cluster design. All children born in 2013 and registered in primary healthcare facilities were eligible for participation. We tested blood samples of all participants for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Anti-HBc-positive samples were tested for HBsAg and HBsAg-positive samples confirmed, using ELISA. We obtained information on hepatitis B vaccination from vaccination cards. ResultsOf 3352 sampled children, 3064 (91%) participated. Most participating children were 7 years old (n = 3030, 99%), 1426 (48%) were girls. The weighted, national seroprevalence estimate was 3.1% (95% confidence interval = 2.1-4.5) for anti-HBc and 0.21% (95% confidence interval = 0.08-0.53) for HBsAg. ConclusionThe study demonstrated the impact of hepatitis B vaccination and allowed the Republic of Moldova to validate regional hepatitis B control targets. Other countries with high vaccination coverage could use hepatitis B serosurveys and apply for validation. Sustained efforts in the Republic of Moldova will be crucial on the path to hepatitis B elimination.

Reduced protective efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine among fully vaccinated children in Ethiopia.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all children at birth within 24 hours or during childhood. This study was aimed to evaluate protective efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine and estimate the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among vaccinated children. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March, 2021 to October, 2021 in Debre Markos town. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 165 fully vaccinated children aged 5-12 years old. A serum sample was used to determine hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), anti-hepatitis B surface antibody titer (anti-HBs) using ELISA. The seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBc anti-body was found to be 4.2% and 4.8% respectively. Of 165 fully vaccinated children, 129 (78.2%) had anti-HBs titer ≥ 10 mIU/ml. Among 129 sero-protected children, 76 (58.9%) were hypo-responders whereas the rest 53 (41.1%) were good responders. Those children within the age group of 5-7 years were 2.9 times (AOR: 2.873, 95% CI: 1.156, 7.141) (P<0.023) more likely to respond to HBV vaccine. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that children who were born from HBV positive mothers (AOR 3.917, 95% CI: 1.456, 5.365, P<0.027) and those who had history of injectable medications (AOR 9.232, 95% CI: 1.503, 11.697, P<0.016) were more likely to be HBsAg positive. Children who had history of hospital admission (AOR 6.973, 95% CI: 1.495, 8.530, P<0.013) were more likely to be anti-HBcAb positive. There was an intermediate prevalence of childhood HBV infection despite being vaccinated suggesting low protective efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine in the study area.

Occult Hepatitis B Virus: Implications in Endemic Region like Nigeria.

The situation whereby there is appearance of HBV DNA in the absence of observable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has been described as occult hepatitis B virus infection. The above situation was first mentioned in late 1970s and its prevalence depends on the differences in the distribution of HBV in each region or community, the study population, sensitivity and specificity of the adopted screening method. The sero-prevalence of HBsAg in Nigeria is estimated to range from 10-40% and this qualifies Nigeria as hyper- endemic area (Odemuyiwa et al., 2001; Fasola et al., 2008). There is also observable increase in detected HBV DNA among patients who were previously screened as negative for HBsAg (Adeniyi et al., 2022). Furthermore, high prevalence of HBsAg has been reported in the population of screened blood donors (Ejele and Ojule, 2004) and also in patients attending clinics (Nwokedi et al, 2011; Adeniyi et al., 2022). Occult HBV is clinically important as it can be contacted by means of blood transfusion and organ transplant among others (Kwak et al., 2014). In Nigeria, there has being increase in prevalence of occult HBV despite ongoing immunization program (Opaleye et al., 2015; Adeniyi et al., 2002). When compared to similar viruses that could be transmitted during transfusion, occult HBV is more common (Comanor et al., 2006).

Sero-Prevalence, Infectivity, and Associated Risk Factors of Hepatitis B Virus Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Sankura Primary Hospital, Silte Zone, Southern Ethiopia, 2021

Background: Hepatitis B (HBV) infection causes a major public health problem around the globe. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the Seroprevalence, infectivity, and associated factors of hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care in Sankura Primary Hospital, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was conducted in Sankura Primary Hospital, Southern Ethiopia, from April to June 2020. A total of 338 pregnant women were recruited using systematic random sampling. Sociodemographic and associated risk factors were collected through a structured questionnaire. Blood samples and plasma analysis were performed for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) using the rapid test strip method. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20, and P-value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The overall Seroprevalence of HBsAg was 11 (3.3%) [95% CI 1.5% - 5.0%], of whom 2 (18.2%) were positive for HBeAg. In multivariate analysis, a history of blood transfusion [AOR=4.8 95% CI (1.25-6.69)] and contact with a family history of the liver [AOR=5.7 95% CI (1.28-7.9)] was found to be significant predictors of HBV infections. Conclusion: The Seroprevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women in the study area was intermediate. Family history of liver disease and blood transfusion were risk factors associated with HBV infection. Hence, improving the screening of blood, increasing awareness about the transmission of HBV infection, and screening pregnant women for HBV infection should be implemented. The government will build efficient service delivery models equipped with an appropriate and well-trained workforce.

Sero-prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV Co-infection among Pregnant Women Accessing Primary Health Care (PHC) Maternity of Lamurde, Mubi-South, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The epidemiology of viral hepatitis among pregnant women is of paramount significance in policy and decision making and the provision of effective and adequate antenatal care, especially in the grassroots health care facilities like that of our study area. This study is cross-sectional hospital-based research aimed at investigating the seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV among pregnant women accessing PHC maternity in Lamurde, Mubi for antenatal care. Blood samples from all the 100 consenting pregnant women were screened for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies using rapid diagnostic kits. A total of 11(11.0%) of the pregnant women tested were seropositive for HBsAg and none 0.0(0.0%) of the participants tested were seropositive for anti-HCV. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositivity was highest in the age group 26-30yrs (17.4%) and least in the age group 16-20yrs (3.4%). However, no single case of HBsAg and or anti-HCV was recorded in the age groups 31-35. Most of the participants (55.0%) in this study were those without formal education. The highest (18.5%) prevalence rate of HBsAg was reported among pregnant women with secondary education, closely followed by pregnant women with primary education (18.2%). The association between educational status and infection with hepatitis B virus (OR =3.75, 95% CI = 0.931-15.08) showed that the odds were 3.75 times higher that pregnant women with formal education will be infected with HBV when compare with pregnant women with no formal education, but with no statistical difference. In view of the above result and the likelihood of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis viruses, there is a need to institute compulsory routine screening for these viruses for all pregnant women attending antenatal care in Mubi

Circulation of hepatitis B virus genotype-E among outpatients in tertiary hospitals in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a significant public health challenge globally, with higher disease burden in developing countries. HBV genotypes are associated with different geographical regions and clinical outcomes. Limited information exists on epidemiology of HBV in the Niger-Delta region (South-South) of Nigeria. Consequently, this study was designed to characterise hepatitis B virus infection among outpatients in selected tertiary hospitals in the region. Between June and August 2017, consenting nine hundred asymptomatic out-patients were enrolled and initially screened for HBV infection using one step Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) strip and subsequently re-tested using HBsAg and Hepatitis B core total antibody (anti-HBc) specific Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Blood serum with detectable HBsAg were subsequently subjected to DNA extraction, S-gene amplification using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol, gel electrophoresis, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Seroprevalence of HBsAg was 4.6% (95% CI 2.5-7.1) and anti-HBc was 10.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 6.1-15.3). Of the 41 HBsAg positive samples subjected to DNA extraction and HBV S-gene specific PCR, only 6 (14.6%) yielded the expected ∼408bp band. Phylogenetic analysis based on HBV pre-S/S sequences identified all six typable samples as genotype E, subtype ayw4 of the West African clade. Results of the study confirm the presence and circulation of HBV genotype-E in the Niger-Delta region of Nigeria, thus corroborating the inclusion of the country in the Genotype E crescent. The authors advocate value-added HBV intervention in the region and the country at large.

Occurrence Rate of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Co - infection among Expectant Mothers Attending Antenatal Clinic in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital

The global burden of co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) has a negative impact in Sub-Saharan Africa.When HIV, HBV and HCV co-exist, they become life threatening and with high fatality rate particularly in gestation in which transmission occurs vertically, causing fetal and neonatal hepatitis. The study aimed at examining the occurrence rate of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) co - infection among expectant mothers attending antenatal clinic in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). The study population comprised of one hundred and fifty (150) pregnant women. Venous blood was used in the study and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HCV, and anti-HIV antibodies using commercially available immunoassay test kits. The prevalence of HCV, HIV and HBsAg among the pregnant subjects in relation to age group 21-30 and 31-40 in the study revealed a seropositive percentage of 0.7% and 1.3%. The other groups, however, showed no positive result among the three viruses. Furthermore, 0.7% of the pregnant women in their first, second and third trimester were co-infected with HCV and HBsAg while 1.3% out of 36.7% and 0.7% out of 61.3% of pregnant women within the age groups 21-30 and 31-40 respectively were seropositive for HIV. In relation to gestational age, it was seen from the study that 0.7% of the pregnant women in their first, second and third trimester were seropositive for HCV and HBsAg respectively, while 2% of the HIV seropositive pregnant women were in their first trimester. The overall seroprevalence of HCV, HIV and HBsAg as revealed in the study showed that infection was found to be 2% respectively among the pregnant women. The reduced prevalence of hepatitis B (HBsAg), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection observed in the study among pregnant women attending antenatal care in the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital may be attributed to the increase in the awareness amongst the general populace in Port Harcourt especially couples about the consequences of sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B as well as Hepatitis C. In other words, there is reduction in seroprevalence of HBsAg, HCV and HIV which is premised on the efficacy of sensitization particularly on HBV vaccination and preventive protocols for HIV.

Prevalence and the associated factors of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viral infections among HIV-positive individuals in same-day antiretroviral therapy initiation program in Bangkok, Thailand

BackgroundViral hepatitis is highly prevalent among people with HIV (PWH) and can lead to chronic liver complications. Thailand started universal hepatitis B vaccination at birth in 1992 and achieved over 95% coverage in 1999. We explored the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral infections and the associated factors among PWH from same-day antiretroviral therapy (SDART) service at the Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic, Bangkok, Thailand.MethodsWe collected baseline characteristics from PWH enrolled in the SDART service between July 2017 and November 2019. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV).ResultsA total of 4011 newly diagnosed PWH who had HBsAg or anti-HCV results at baseline: 2941 men who have sex with men (MSM; 73.3%), 851 heterosexuals (21.2%), 215 transgender women (TGW; 5.4%), and 4 transgender men (0.1%). Median age was 27 years. Overall seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV were 6.0 and 4.1%, respectively. Subgroup prevalence were 6.2 and 4.7% among MSM, 4.6 and 2.4% among heterosexuals, and 9.3 and 3.7% among TGW, respectively. Factors associated with HBsAg positivity were being MSM, TGW, born before 1992, CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3, and alanine aminotransferase ≥ 62.5 U/L. Factors associated with anti-HCV positivity were being MSM, age > 30 years, alanine aminotransferase ≥ 62.5 U/L, creatinine clearance < 60 ml/min, and syphilis infection.ConclusionsAround 5–10% of newly diagnosed PWH in Bangkok had hepatitis B viral infection after 25 years of universal vaccination. Anti-HCV positivity was found in 4–5% of PWH who were MSM and TGW. As World Health Organization and Thailand national guidelines already support routine screening of hepatitis B and C viral infections in PWH and populations at increased risk of HIV including MSM and TGW, healthcare providers should reinforce this strategy and provide linkage to appropriate prevention and treatment interventions. Catch-up hepatitis B vaccination should be made available under national health coverage.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B viral infection in the okpoko community

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) is a potentially life-threatening liver infection. Little is known about seroprevalence at the community level. A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted at Okopko, an urban slum in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, using a multistage sampling technique. Stages were the constituency level, ward, and household levels. A total of 867 participants were enrolled. Methods: Testing for the markers of HBV was performed using Diagnostic Kit (USA). The test panel detects hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg), antibody to e antigen (HBeAb), core antibody (HBcAb), and surface antibody (HBsAb) using colloidal gold and membrane chromatographic technology. Results: The seroprevalence of HBsAg was 6.6%. Seroprevalence was higher in males (7.4%) than in females (5.5%) (P > 0.05). The peak seroprevalence occurred in the age group of 40–49 years for both males (13.6%) and females (8.1%) (P < 0.05). Exactly 4.7% were positive for HBeAg and 5.8% for HBsAg + HBeAg + HBcAb. Only 1% was positive for HBsAb. Conclusion: Okpoko community has a high intermediate prevalence rate of HBV infection. The HBV vaccination level is very low in the community.

Common hepatitis B virus genotypes among blood donors in Lagos, Nigeria.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the public health diseases causing global health problems. It is a leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Blood transfusion is a major route of its transmission and screening of blood is suboptimal in our environment. Occult HBV infection describes the presence of HBV DNA in blood or liver tissue in patients who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seronegative. This study documented the common genotypes of HBV a blood-borne infection in the population of blood donors in Lagos. This was a cross-sectional study carried out at the blood donor clinics of ten Lagos State Government-owned hospitals in Lagos State. A total of 1400 participants were recruited consecutively from November 2020 to June 2021. All participants' samples were screened using Diaspot Rapid Test Kit (RTK) and Dialabenzyme enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Furthermore, some of the plasma samples were used for HBV DNA extraction and genotyping using the real time-polymerase chain reaction. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26 and P value was considered significant at ≤0.05. The sero-prevalence of HBsAg using RTK and ELISA was 19.9% and 22.4%, respectively. The prevalence of occult HBV infection was 5.2%. A total of 278 and 313 HBsAg RTK and ELISA positive samples were obtained, respectively. HBV genotype result had A (46.6%) as the most prevalent followed closely by B (44.7%), E (23.8%), D (20.9%) and C (11.2%). HBV infection has a high prevalence among blood donors. ELISA is a more sensitive screening tool and its use should be advocated nationally. HBV genotype A is the most prevalent genotype from our study.

Hepatitis B Vaccination Impact and the Unmet Need for Antiviral Treatment in Blantyre, Malawi.

BackgroundHepatitis B is the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer in sub-Saharan Africa. To reduce mortality, antiviral treatment programs are needed. We estimated prevalence, vaccine impact, and need for antiviral treatment in Blantyre, Malawi.MethodsWe conducted a household study in 2016–2018. We selected individuals from a census using random sampling and estimated age-sex-standardized hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroprevalence. Impact of infant hepatitis B vaccination was estimated by binomial log-linear regression comparing individuals born before and after vaccine implementation. In HBsAg-positive adults, eligibility for antiviral therapy was assessed.ResultsOf 97386 censused individuals, 6073 (median age 18 years; 56.7% female) were sampled. HBsAg seroprevalence was 5.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3%–6.1%) among adults and 0.3% (95% CI, .1%–.6%) among children born after vaccine introduction. Estimated vaccine impact was 95.8% (95% CI, 70.3%–99.4%). Of HBsAg-positive adults, 26% were HIV-positive. Among HIV-negative individuals, 3%, 6%, and 9% were eligible for hepatitis B treatment by WHO, European, and American hepatology association criteria, respectively.ConclusionsInfant HBV vaccination has been highly effective in reducing HBsAg prevalence in urban Malawi. Up to 9% of HBsAg-positive HIV-negative adults are eligible, but have an unmet need, for antiviral therapy.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B (HBsAg) Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Specialist Hospital Yola, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Infection due to Hepatitis B virus is a serious public health problem worldwide, in spite of productive vaccine. Pregnant women infected with hepatitis B virus can transmit the infection to their fetuses and newborns. The aim of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of Hepatitis B infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care at Specialist Hospital Yola. A total of three hundred and thirteen (313) pregnant women were randomly selected for this study. Hepatitis B status was determined by the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). A structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. Sera from volunteers were collected and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen. Seroprevalence was determined based on age group, educational level, occupation, marital status, religion and history of blood transfusion. The seroprevalence of HBsAg among consented antenatal attendees was 17(5.43%). The study found highest seroprevalence of HBsAg among the pregnant women in the age bracket 26-35 years 52.94%, 52.94% in women with primary school education, 41.18% among the unemployed, 94.12% among the married women, 70.59% among Muslim women, and 76.47% among women that had blood transfusion. The study also revealed that there is a significant relationship between HBsAg and (educational level, marital status) of the study participants (P &lt; 0.05). The Seroprevalence of HBsAg among antenatal attendees at Specialist Hospital Yola, Nigeria, is on the high side. Therefore, early screening of pregnant women for hepatitis at antenatal clinic, would contribute greatly to the timely management of the disease and will prevent possible transmission to their neonates.

Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Prison Inmates in Borno State: Determination of Prevalence of Surface Antigen (HBsAg) and Possible Risk Factors of Disease

An epidemiological study on hepatitis B virus infection among prison inmates in Borno state, Nigeria, was carried out using a questionnaire survey to determine the possible risk factors of the disease and serological method [using an Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)] to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among the inmates. The study was conducted in correctional facilities in Maiduguri, Biu and Bama local government area of Borno State. Out of a total of 300 sera tested, 49 (16.3%) had detectable ELISA antibody to HBsAg. A significant difference (p&lt;0.001) in seroprevalence of HBsAg among inmates of different educational qualifications was observed and those with higher education had the highest prevalence (20.9%). Although there was no significant difference in prevalence of HBsAg among the different age groups, the age group 60-69 years had the highest infection rate (33.3%). Homosexuality and duration of stay in prison are shown to be significantly associated with HBsAg infection (P&lt;0.05) among inmates. A significant gender difference was noted among inmates with the males (16.1%) having higher prevalence when compared with females (20.0%). Analysis of spatial distribution of prevalence of HBsAg showed that Maiduguri prison had (20.5%), followed by Biu prison (12.7%) and Bama prison (6.7%) and there was significant difference (P&lt;0.05) in prevalence between prisons. There was no significant (P&gt;0.05) association of prevalence of HBsAg with marital status or occupation of prison inmates. In conclusion, hepatitis b virus infection was found to be prevalent among prison inmates in Borno state with homosexuality and duration of stay in prison as risk factors.

The prevalence of hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are viral infections that are transmitted through transfusion of unscreened blood products, needlestick injuries, and unprotected sex. This was a study to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B and HIV infection among pregnant women accessing antenatal care. Materials and Methods: Two ml of venous blood was also collected into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid bottles for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HIV test using a rapid diagnostic test kit following the standard algorithm of performing diagnosis. Results: Of the 250 participants examined for the presence of HBV and HIV among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in Calabar, 14 (5.6%) and 3 (1.2%) were positive for HBsAg and HIV. Participants aged 26–30 years had the highest prevalence of HBsAg 8 (7.0%) and participants aged 31–35 had the highest prevalence of HIV 1 (3.2%). The seroprevalence of HBsAg and HIV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics by occupation shows that students had the highest infection rate of 3 (9%) and 2 (6%) for HBsAg and HIV. Of the 250 participants enrolled, the level of HIV and HBV awareness was 178 (71.2%) and 242 (96.8%), respectively. Conclusions: The study has revealed that the prevalence of HBV and HIV is on the increase among pregnant women, with a prevalence of 5.6% and 1.2%, respectively. General precautions need to be strictly adhered to in the hospital and particularly in blood transfusion and handling of sharps objects.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection among the Tribal Population of Attapady, Kerala,India

Introduction: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health concern that may cause acute or chronic hepatitis. Chronically infected patients are at risk for cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The disease causes a problem in the tribal communities. There are lack of studies on the prevalence of HBV among the tribal population. Aim: To assess the seroprevalence of HBV infection among the tribal population of Attapady, Kerala. Materials and Methods: This was a community based cross- sectional study conducted on serum samples collected from 269 subjects among the tribal population of Attapady. Serum samples were tested for quantitative antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs), Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Total hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) and IgM antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti HBc IgM), frequencies were obtained using proportion and 95% Confidence Interval CI. Results: The seroprevalence of HBsAg was 10.4%. HBeAg was detected in 7.1% of HBsAg positive patients. 21.2% had protective anti-HBs titer. Anti-HBe was detected in five patients. Anti-HBc total and anti-HBc IgM were positive for 26.7% and 2.6%, respectively. Anti-HBc IgM alone and isolated anti-HBc were detected in 1.5% and 5.9 %, respectively. Anti-HBs and anti-HBc total both became positive in 8.6% cases. Conclusion: HBV infection poses a huge burden on tribal health. All HBsAg positive patients should be tested further to determine the stage of the disease. There is need to explore high HBV prevalence areas with studies on associated risk factors to bring out the ongoing transmission process and focus on preventive measures. HBV vaccination, antenatal screening, and health awareness should be given priority to tackle the burden.

The impact of hepatitis B vaccination program in central Vietnam; evaluation by population-based, cross-sectional seroprevalence survey of HBsAg

Background: Vietnam is considered hyperendemic for hepatitis B and universal immunization for hepatitis B among infants has been implemented since 2003. To implement better disease control policies, effective impact evaluation of the vaccination program is warranted. Methods and materials: We conducted a stratified, multistage, cluster sampling survey of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity among people aged 1–39 years old. Participants were randomly selected from the 4 provinces (Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh Dinh, Quang Ngai) in the central area of Vietnam via probability proportionate to size sampling. A face-to-face questionnaires and HBsAg rapid tests were administrated. Results: A total of 2078 participants were included into the study. The seroprevalence of HBsAg by age group for every 5years old was estimated as shown on the table below.Tabled 1agenHBsAg(+)95%CI1–42661.50%0.32–2.985–93663.01%1.25–4.7610–142981.01%0.00–2.1515–192493.61%1.28–5.9520–2416710.18%5.55–14.8125–292227.21%3.78–10.6430–3425211.11%7.20–15.0235–392589.30%5.73–12.87 Open table in a new tab In Vietnam, hepatitis vaccine was introduced in 1997 and was expanded nationwide in 2002. A birth dose was added to the immunization schedule in 2003. The decline in the prevalence of HBsAg in younger age groups may be attributed to the immunization program. However, the administrative birth dose coverage of Hepatitis B vaccine became temporally low after media reports of adverse events following immunization in 2007. High prevalence of HBsAg of HBsAg between the age of 5 and 9 in this area may be due to the low coverage of birth dose. Conclusion: Population based seroprevalence survey is able to provide valuable information to assess the effectiveness of previous vaccination and formulate future immunization policy. The survey with rapid field test is feasible and affordable way which can be applied in resource limited settings.

Hepatitis B and C Viruses' Infection and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Hospitals in the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia.

Introduction Hepatitis virus infection is a major public health burden and silent killer disease in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses and associated factors among pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic in three tertiary hospitals in Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1121 pregnant women. Data on sociodemographic and associated factors were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) using ELISA. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis, and a multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between factors associated with hepatitis B virus and hepatitis virus C infection. Results A total of 1121 pregnant women were included in the study. The mean age of study participants was 27.2 ± 4.8 yrs. The majority of pregnant women (895 (79.8%)) were from urban areas. The overall seroprevalence of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody was 52 (4.6%) and 18 (1.6%), respectively. The coinfection rate of HBV/HCV was 1.4% (1/69). Ten (19.2%) of HBV positive cases were coinfected with HIV. There were no coinfections of HCV and HIV. Interestingly, pregnant women with a history of multiple sexual partners (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI, 1.7–7.6), blood transfusion (AOR = 7.6, 95% CI, 2.9–16.9), family history of HBV (AOR = 3.5, 95% CI, 1.7–7.6), being HIV-positive (AOR = 2.5, 95% CI, 1–5.9), and tattooing (AOR = 2, 95% CI, 1–3.8) were significant predictors of HBV infection. Similarly, young age (17–25 yrs) (AOR = 3.2, 95% CI, 1.8–8.6) and no educational background (AOR = 5, 95 CI, 1.7–14.8) were significant predictors of HCV infection. Conclusions Hepatitis B and C viruses' infection was intermediate among pregnant women; some risk factors were significantly associated with the majority of cases. Infants born from these infected mothers are at risk of infection. This calls for screening and integration of HBV prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) into HIV. Thus, the provision of health education on hepatitis B and C viruses' transmission, vaccination, and screening of all pregnant women routinely are essential for the prevention of these viruses.