HBsAg Prevalence Rate Research Articles

Comprehensive approach to controlling chronic hepatitis B in China.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was highly endemic in China, where the prevalence of HBsAg was 9.7% in 1992. Comprehensive strategies, including universal infant hepatitis B vaccination with emphasis on timely birth-dose and 3-dose coverage, dramatically reduced the mother-to-infant transmission and early childhood acquisition of HBV, resulting in estimated HBsAg prevalence rates of 5.6% and 0.1% in the general population and among children aged <5 years in 2022, respectively. Clinical guidelines on the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B have been periodically updated based on emerging evidence from clinical research. The continuously improved reimbursement policy and the massively reduced price of antiviral drugs through government negotiation and central procurement have increased treatment accessibility and affordability. However, due to the low rates of diagnosis and treatment, China still faces a large challenge in achieving the 2030 goal of lowering HBV-related mortality by 65%. A public health approach involving concerted efforts from the government, medical community, industry, and society as a whole would be necessary to increase the uptake of HBV tests and treatment to achieve the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

An epidemiological study on hepatitis C and hepatitis B infections among hemodialysis patients in the Sistan region

Objective. Hepatitis is a systemic viral infection that mainly affects the liver. Transmission of hepatitis C virus through dialysis units is increasing worldwide, ranging from 5% in Western countries to 70% in some developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) infections among hemodialysis (HD) patients in the Sistan region. Patients and methods. In a descriptive cross-sectional study, 130 hemodialysis patients in the hemodialysis ward of the Sistan region were studied by census method. Sample information including name, sex, mortality rate, surgery, renal transplantation, underlying disease, and duration of dialysis was collected through a questionnaire. Blood samples were taken for hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus antibodies (Anti HCVAb) and analyzed by third-generation ELISA. Repeated positive ELISA test results of HCV, were evaluated by PCR test method. Results. Among 125 dialysis patients ranging from the age of 15 to 84 years, 15 patients (11/1%) were HBSAg positive, and 6 patients (4.4%) were HCVAb positive. All patients underwent dialysis for a minimum of two and a maximum of three sessions per week. In the year 2021, the mortality rate among dialysis patients was five. Сonclusion. The results of this study indicate the low prevalence and mortality rate of HBSAg and HCVAb among HD patients. However, the duration of dialysis can be a potential risk factor for the transmission of infectious viruses in dialysis centers. Key words: epidemiology, hemodialysis, HBV infection, HCV

Introduction of the Hepatitis B Vaccine-Birth Dose: Methods of Improving Rates in a Milieu of Vaccine Hesitancy.

The hepatitis B virus is a public health threat, chronically infecting over 240 million persons worldwide. The hepatitis B vaccine is 90% effective in preventing perinatal transmission if the first dose is given within the first 24 h of life, followed by a minimum of two subsequent doses. Antigua and Barbuda instituted a hospital-based birth dose vaccination policy in October 2021. Data were extracted from hospital logbooks from November 2021 to October 2022, and a database was created. Frequency distributions of the hepatitis B birth dose, barriers to administration, and maternal and healthcare system factors were analyzed. The positive maternal HBsAg prevalence rate was 0.6%. The timely and total birth dose coverage was 72% and 81%, respectively. In total, 10.5% of parents refused the vaccine, of which 76% either felt uncomfortable or preferred to wait. Moreover, 100% of hepatitis B-exposed babies were vaccinated, with 83% of them receiving the Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin. Barriers to vaccine administration included vaccination hesitancy, gaps in knowledge of medical staff, and the inconsistent vaccination supply. Instituting a quality improvement team, health information system, robust educational efforts, and addressing barriers will make achieving the WHO programmatic targets of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B by 2030 possible.

HIV/STD prevalence and test uptake among african in Guangzhou, China: an analysis of data from hospital-based surveillance

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) cause substantial morbidity and mortality both in African and China. However, there is limited data available on the prevalence of HIV/STDs and the uptake of testing experience ever during in China among African migrants. A venue-based survey was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou to investigate the prevalence of HIV/STDs through laboratory testing and identify the associated factors. A total of 200 eligible participants completed the survey and bring into the analysis from April to October 2019, and the temporary visitors were excluded. The prevalence rates of HIV, syphilis, NG, CT, and HBsAg among the participants were 1.0%, 2.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 5.5%, respectively. The overall reported rate of HIV/STD testing was 37.0%, with rates of 23.0% for HIV, 16.5% for syphilis, 12.5% for NG, 6.5% for genital herpes, 5.0% for condyloma acuminata, and 2.5% for CT. HIV/STD testing was associated with living environment in Guangzhou, having medical insurance in China, and utilizing health services in China in the past year. HIV/STDs are prevalent among Africans in Guangzhou, and the epidemic is likely to spread due to a significant proportion of unprotected sexual behaviors and low rates of HIV/STD testing. Urgent interventions, including targeted health education, promotion of health service utilization, and active surveillance of HIV/STDs, are needed to reduce the risk of HIV/STD transmission.

Prevalence of hepatitis B among patients in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, (Mouau) Clinic and Madonna Catholic Hospital Umuahia, Abia State

To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B among patients in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, (MOUAU) clinic and Madonna Catholic Hospital Umuahia, Abia State. Blood samples were collected aseptically using a sterile syringe and needle. About 2-5ml of blood was collected from each patient and conveyed in ice packs to Microbiology Laboratory for pre-vaccination tests. On-the-spot testing for HBsAg was conducted using Smart Check HBsAg (Globalemed, Cape Town, South Africa) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This study revealed that about 46.5% of the study participants were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen, while the prevalence of age distribution of Hepatitis B surface antigen among male and female patients revealed that the rate of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen was highest in patients between the age 16-34 years at a percentage prevalence of 19(55.9%). This study also revealed that Hepatitis B virus prevalence rates were the most prevalent among female patients with a positive percentage value of 47.7%.The prevalence rate of HBsAg was higher in the 16-34 age group than in the other age groups tested. This high prevalence rate calls for more awareness on effective HBsAg immunization program in Nigeria. The importance of vaccination in the fight against hepatitis B cannot be overstated, emphasizing the necessity for universal immunization of all people in the study's age group and the creation of measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission. As a result, it is advised that adolescents born before the hepatitis B vaccine era in Nigeria receive public health education and vaccination against the infection.

Mitochondrial DNA haplogroup F confers genetic susceptibility to chronic HBV infection for the Yi nationality in Lijiang, China.

Mitochondria are essential for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Moreover, the findings of our previous study indicate that host mitochondrial genetic factors are associated with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) for the Han Chinese. However, in terms of genetic heterogeneity, the impact of mitochondria on host susceptibility to HBV infection in ethnic minorities in China remains unclear. Here, a total of 7070 subjects who had visited the hospital between June 1, 2019, and April 31, 2020, were enrolled for seroprevalence of HBV infection investigation. A total of 220 individuals with CHB (CHBs) and 223 individuals with a trace of HBV infection (spontaneously recovered subjects, SRs) were analyzed for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence variations and classified into respective haplogroups. Haplogroup frequencies were compared between CHBs and SRs. Among eight nationalities, Yi nationality patients had the highest HBsAg prevalence rate (27.9% [95% CI: 25.3%-30.5%]) and the lowest vaccination rate (4.9% [95% CI: 3.7%-6.2%]). After adjustment for age and gender, haplogroup F was a risk factor for CHB infection (P=0.049, OR=2.079, 95% CI=1.002-4.31), while D4 had a significant negative correlation with the HBeAg-positive rate (P=0.024, OR=0.215, 95% CI=0.057-0.816). Together with our previous study, the findings indicate that different nationalities have different genetic susceptibility to HBV infection.

Seroprevalence of viral Hepatitis B in the Marrakech region

Viral hepatitis B (HBV) is a major public health problem worldwide. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 2 billion the number of people who have been exposed to this virus, about 30% of the world population, 18% in sub-Saharan Africa and 41% in Asia, of which 5% with chronic infection or 300-350 million. So the HBV prevalence is 5.4% globally, against 1% for the HIV and 3% for hepatitis C. More than 1 million of them die each year complications essentially cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnostic of HBV (recent or chronic infection) relies on research HBs antigen in the serum of patients, it is the witness of a recent or past infection with HBV according to the presence or absence of other serological markers (HBe Ag, anti-HBs Ig and total anti-HBc and anti-HBe antibody IgM) but they do not provide information on the status of viral replication. The detection and quantification of HBV genome (replication of viral marker) can be performed in serum, liver tissue or in blood mononuclear cells. They typically based amplification methods: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The treatment of viral hepatitis B is for patients with hepatitis B associated with viral replication (HBV DNA positive), cytolysis (elevated transaminases) and presence on biopsy of an activity necroinflammatory or significant fibrosis. Despite the recent antiviral therapeutics, treatment of chronic hepatitis B is difficult and expensive, and the prevention of HBV infection through routine immunization policy and prevention measures currently remains the best option for reducing morbidity and mortality from liver failure and liver cancer. Morocco is considered far, according to WHO data, such as having an intermediate prevalence of viral hepatitis B. Currently, few studies relate the epidemiology of hepatitis B (HBV) in Morocco. The objective of this study was the evaluation of the HBV infection prevalence in a Moroccan workers population, and compare with national and international studies. A total of 20192 individuals were screened for HBsAg. HBV screening was conducted by immunoassay chemiluminescent micro particle (CMIA) PLC (Abbott Architect) and with a prevalence rate of HBsAg estimated at 0.55%. These data are of interest for the diagnosis and prognosis, and therapeutic decision, and can be for the development of an eventual national strategy for the prevention of the transmission of HBV.

Village-to-village screening for hepatitis B and C using quantitative HBsAg and anti-HCV testing with reflex HCV core antigen tests in the remote communities of a resource-rich setting: a population-based prospective cohort study

ObjectivesCommunity-based screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is essential for hepatitis elimination. This study attempted to increase screening accessibility and efficacy by using alternative tools.DesignPopulation-based...

Antiviral therapy after curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: Is tenofovir or entecavir preferred?

Antiviral therapy after curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection: Is tenofovir or entecavir preferred?

The Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C among the Passively Screened Population and Blood Donors in Haryana, India: A Retrospective Analysis

Background. Hepatitis B and C are significant problems in India, especially in certain hotspots such as Haryana state. Since the data derived from the large-scale studies are unavailable, reports from individual centers or blood bank data are largely relied on to get a glimpse of the prevalence rate in India. This retrospective study aims to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C based on the data collected from blood banks and passive screening of patients at PGIMS, Rohtak. Methods. The first half of the dataset which contains routine hepatitis B and C test results was derived from blood banks. The other half of dataset was derived from the passive screening of patients from various outpatient departments and inpatient wards. The samples collected during the passive screening were tested for the positivity for HBsAg or anti-HCV antibody using ELISA tests. Results. Analysis of the blood bank data revealed that the prevalence rates of HBsAg and anti-HCV antibody positivity were 0.80% and 0.81%, respectively, whereas the rates of the same derived from passive screening data were 5.23% and 5.18%, respectively. Conclusion. The blood bank data did not depict the exact prevalence of hepatitis B and C. Concerns remain as they could possibly underestimate the rates. As opposed to that, the prevalence rates of passive screening data might possibly resemble to the genuine prevalence. Although it is sometimes inevitable to rely on blood bank data due to data paucity, cautiousness must be exercised when it comes to using this kind of data.

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Status in the Pregnancy

Background Infections of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are serious health problems worldwide and require more attentive and different management strategies in the pregnancy because of the changes in women and concerns regarding the fetuses. The study aims to determine the prevalence of these infections in the pregnancy. Methods Pregnant women from our antenatal clinic who were tested for hepatitis B (HB), hepatitis C (HC) from 2008 to 2018 were recruited from medical records. The prevalence of seropositivity was evaluated. Results The prevalence rates of HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV were 1.28%, 30%, 0.18%, and 0.015%, respectively. Conclusions In Turkey, the prevalence of hepatitis and HIV was not found as high as endemic regions of the world. It is essential to identify the infection of hepatitis and HIV for the treatment, follow-up, and fetal infection in the pregnancy.

Hepatitis B and C prevalence and risk factors among young men presenting to the Brazilian Army: A STROBE-compliant national survey-based cross-sectional observational study.

Viral hepatitis is caused by different etiological agents with distinct epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory characteristics accounting for significant worldwide morbidity and mortality. Since 1996, the Brazilian Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and Viral Hepatitis (DIAHV) in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense has been conducting periodic serosurveys of conscripts enlisted for the Brazilian army to assess STI prevalence and obtain data on knowledge and risk factors pertaining to STIs. This article aims to present the hepatitis B (hepatitis B surface antigen - HBsAg) and C (anti-HCV) seroprevalence estimates and risk factors as per the 8th edition of the Conscript Survey performed in 2016.This cross-sectional study was conducted among conscripts across Brazil aged 17 to 22 years from August to December 2016. It included a self-reported questionnaire and blood testing for syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis B and C.In total 38,247 conscripts were enrolled; after applying exclusion criteria, 37,282 conscripts were included. The estimated HBsAg and anti-HCV prevalence rates were 0.22% and 0.28%, respectively. Higher HBsAg and anti-HCV prevalence rates were observed in the North Region (0.49%) and in the Central-west Region (0.65%), respectively. Regarding hepatitis B vaccination, 23.5% (n = 8412) of the individuals reported being unvaccinated and 47.4% (n = 16,970) did not know if they had been vaccinated. Among the anti-HCV positive conscripts, 53% (n = 51, 0.56%, P = .049) reported that they had never had sexual intercourse. Regarding self-reported STI status, most of the positive anti-HCV (n = 100, 0.29%, P < .01) and positive HBsAg (n = 76, 0.22%, P = .205) conscripts reported not having a STI. From those who tested positive for HBsAg, 89% (n = 42, 0.28%, P = .005) reported not making consistent use of condoms with steady partners.Our data suggest a low prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections among Brazilian young men, and relatively low rates of self-reported HBV immunization. History of STIs, higher number of partners, inconsistent use of condoms, and lack of awareness of routes of transmission were significantly associated with HBV and HCV infections. To achieve the World Health Organization's goal of viral hepatitis elimination, access to hepatitis information, testing, and surveillance need to be improved.

Establishment and development of national community-based collaborative innovation demonstration areas to achieve the control target of hepatitis B in China

BackgroundThe major infectious diseases of hepatitis B has constituted an acute public health challenge in China. An effective and affordable HBV control model is urgently needed. A national project of Community-based Collaborative Innovation HBV (CCI-HBV) demonstration areas has optimized the existing community healthcare resources and obtained initial results in HBV control.MethodsBased on the existing community healthcare network, CCI-HBV project combined the community health management and health contract signing service for long-staying residents in hepatitis B screening. Moreover, HBV field research strategy was popularized in CCI-HBV areas. After screening, patients with seropositive results were enrolled in corresponding cohorts and received treatment at an early stage. And the uninfected people received medical supports including health education through new media, behavior intervention and HBV vaccinations. In this process, a cloud-based National Information Platform (NIP) was established to collect and store residents’ epidemiological data. In addition, a special quality control team was set up for CCI project.ResultsAfter two rounds of screening, HBsAg positive rate dropped from 5.05% (with 5,173,003 people screened) to 4.57% (with 3,819,675 people screened), while the rate of new HBV infections was 0.28 per 100 person-years in the fixed cohorts of 2,584,322 people. The quality control team completed PPS sampling simultaneously and established the serum sample database with 2,800,000 serum samples for unified testing.ConclusionsCCI-HBV project has established a large-scale field research to conduct whole-population screening and intervention. We analyzed the HBsAg prevalence and new infection rate of HBV in the fixed population for the epidemic trend and intervention effect. The purpose of CCI-HBV project is to establish and evaluate a practical model of grid management and field strategy, to realize the new goal to control hepatitis B in China. To provide policymakers with a feasible model, our results are directly applicable.Trial registrationThe project was funded by the Major Projects of Science Research for the 11th and 12th five-year plans of China, entitled “The prevention and control of AIDS, viral hepatitis and other major infectious diseases”, Grant Nos. 2009ZX10004901, 2011ZX10004901, 2013ZX10004904, 2014ZX10004007 and 2014ZX10004008.

Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus infections among people who inject drugs in Kuwait: A cross-sectional study

Injection drug use (IDU) is one of the most significant risk factors for viral hepatitis (B and C) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. This study assessed seroprevalence rates of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in people who inject drugs (PWID) in Kuwait. We conducted a cross-sectional study from April to September 2017. A total of 521 consecutive subjects, admitted at Al-Sabah Hospital. The serological and virological markers of HBV, HCV, and HIV were tested using automated platforms. The mean age of the participants was 32.26 yrs, and the sex ratio (Male/Female) was 15.28. The prevalence rates of HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV antibodies were 0.38% (95% CI: 0.07–1.53%), 12.28% (95% CI: 9.65–15.48), and 0.77% (95% CI: 0.25–2.23%), respectively. HCV-RNA was evident in 51.72% (95% CI: 38.34–64.87%) among anti-HCV positive participants. Multivariate analysis showed that the high prevalence of HCV infection amongst PWID is associated with age. Whereas, multivariate analysis revealed no significant associations with age and gender regarding HIV and HBV infections. The results suggest that high rates of HBV, HCV, and HIV infections among injecting drug users than the general population. These findings emphasize the importance of introducing interventions and harm reduction initiatives that have a high impact on reducing needle sharing.

A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Prevalence of HBsAg in Health Care Workers from Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Countries.

Background:The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of HBsAg in Health Care Workers (HCWs) in Eastern Mediterranean Region Office (EMRO) and Middle Eastern countries from 2000 to 2016.Methods:In a meta-analysis study, the databases of PubMed, ISI, Ovid, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Persian databases were searched for relevant articles on the prevalence of HBsAg in HCWs in EMRO and Middle Eastern countries. Homogeneity was assessed based on Cochran's Q-test results.Results:A total of 43 articles (110,179 people) were included. The pooled prevalence of HBsAg in HCWs of EMRO and Middle East countries was found 2.77% (95%CI: 2.64-2.83). The specific prevalence of HBsAg was 2.84% (95% CI: 2.6-3.11) in EMRO and 2.22% (95%CI: 2.13-2.31) in Middle Eastern countries. The highest and lowest prevalence rates of HBsAg among HCWs for countries with more than one study were 6.85% (95% CI: 5.74%–8.16%) in Sudan and 1.00% (95% CI: 0.94%–1.07%) in Turkey, respectively. The trends of HBsAg prevalence among HCWs decreased from 2000 to 2016.Conclusions:Based on the World Health Organization classification of HBV prevalence, intermediate HBsAg prevalence rates were detected in HCWs of EMRO and Middle East countries during 2000–2016.

Prevalence rates of HIV, HBsAg and HCV co-infections among tuberculosis patients in Sokoto Metropolis, Northwest Nigeria

Introduction and Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) and viral hepatitis are global health problems which are common in developing and undeveloped countries. The current study was aimed at determining the prevalence and co-infections of HIV, HBsAg and HCV among patients with tuberculosis in Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 276 patients with tuberculosis, aged 19-60 years at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto and Specialist Hospital, Sokoto between May and November 2015. Blood samples collected were screened for HIV, HBsAg and HCV using immunochromatographic techniques. Results: The prevalence rates of HIV, HBsAg and HCV among TB patients were 16.3%, 14.9% and 5.4%, respectively while the prevalence of co-infections HIV-HBsAg, HIV-HCV, HBsAg-HCV and HIV-HBsAg-HCV in TB patients were 50.7%, 1.81%, 2.9% and 1.45%, respectively. Prevalence of HIV and HCV showed no relationship with age (P=0.240 and 0.987, respectively) but prevalence of HBsAg was associated with age (P=0.0304). There were no relationships of frequencies of HIV, HBsAg and HCV with gender. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study showed high prevalence rates of HIV, HBsAg and HIV-HBsAg co-infections among patients with tuberculosis in Sokoto, while age and gender showed little or no association. HIV and HBsAg tests are recommended for every patient diagnosed with tuberculosis to guide therapeutic decisions.

The burden of HBV infection in HCV patients in Italy and the risk of reactivation under DAA therapy

BackgroundThere is increasing awareness of HBV reactivation in HCV-RNA-positive/HBV-coinfected patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) treated with oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). AimTo provide figures on the prevalence of HBV markers in HCV-RNA-positive subjects in Italy, where these findings are lacking. MethodsAll subjects aged ≥18 years with CLD consecutively referring to Italian liver units located throughout country were prospectively enrolled in two national surveys in 2001 and 2014. ResultsThe total number of HCV-RNA-positive cases was 6984; 356 (5.1%) subjects vaccinated against HBV were excluded. A total of 6628 cases were evaluated. The prevalence rates of HBsAg, isolated anti-HBc and anti-HBc/anti-HBs-positivity were 2.9%, 8.1% and 14.7%, respectively. Among the estimated one million HCV-RNA-positive subjects in Italy, a substantial number of subjects are at risk of HBV reactivation due to DAA therapy. The prevalence of liver cirrhosis was higher than that of CLD in HBsAg-positive subjects (4.4% vs. 2.6%, p < 0.01) but not in those positive for other HBV markers. ConclusionsThese findings outline the burden of HBV markers among HCV-RNA-positive subjects in Italy, where in 2017 reimbursement for DAA therapy by the National Health System became universal for all patients with chronic HCV infection. HBV vaccination coverage should be greatly extended, since nearly two thirds of subjects in this study resulted negative for any HBV marker.

Hepatitis B virus infection among sexually active individuals in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

IntroductionHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health challenge in sub-Saharan African countries. Chronic HBV infection is a risk factor for severe disease progression. Perinatal and sexual transmissions of Hepatitis B virus are the main routes of infection in HBV endemic countries like Nigeria. However, there is paucity of data as regards the major contributory route of transmission to chronic HBV infection in this region. Also, in Nigeria, not everyone at high risk of the infection has been identified. Therefore our study investigated the prevalence of HBV infection among sexually active individuals in Nigeria.MethodsBlood samples collected from 463 participants (360 sexually active individuals and 103 teenagers) recruited from health institutions across the country were tested for the presence of HBsAg, and HBV nucleic acid related antigen (HBVNRAg) by ELISA. Positive samples were further tested for the presence of HBeAg and antiHBe by ELISA. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and binary logistic regression at p = 0.05.ResultsHBsAg and HBVNRAg were detected in 10.4% and 7.6% of the participants respectively. STI clinic attendees had the highest prevalence for HBsAg (17%; p = 0.002). Teenagers had the lowest HBsAg (1.9; p = 0.002) and HBVNRAg (2.9%; p = 0.0001) prevalence rates. Male gender (p = 0.01) and reproductive age group (p=0.009) were the major predictors of chronic HBV infection.ConclusionSexual transmission was identified as the major contributor to chronic HBV infection. Sexually active individuals especially those with STIs are high risk groups for chronic HBV infection. Interventions targeted at this group is therefore recommended.

Prevalence of Transfusion Transmissible Infections in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Millions of lives are saved each year through blood transfusion. Nevertheless, blood unscreened for transfusion transmissible infections (TTI) is a major public health problem. The prevalence of HIV, HBsAg, HCV and syphilis among blood donors reflect the status in the community hence the need for this study. A total of 108 donors comprising 11 family replacement donors, 32 voluntary donors and 65 paid donors were tested for antibodies to HIV, HBsAg, HCV and, syphilis using rapid serological screening methods. Among the 108 blood donors screened at the Madonna University Teaching Hospital (MUTH) Elele, the prevalence rates of HIV, HBsAg and HCV were 5.6%, 4.6% and 2.8%, respectively. All of the subjects tested negative to syphilis. The percentage positive based on the donor source was 4.6%, 4.6% and 0.9% for HIV, HBsAg and HCV, respectively among the paid donors, 1% for HIV among the voluntary donor and 1.9% for HCV among the family replacement donors. The prevalence rate for HIV and HBsAg co-infection was 0.9% as only one donor tested positive to both. Blood donors in MUTH Elele are relatively safe but efforts should be intensified in ensuring maximum safety. This can be achieved by screen

Hepatitis B knowledge among women of childbearing age in three slums in Mumbai: a cross-sectional survey.

BackgroundMore than 17 million people in India are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Approximately one million of the 26 million children born in India annually will develop chronic HBV infection in the course of their lives. Studies have put the HBsAg prevalence rate among pregnant women in India between 0.9 % and 3.1, indicating a considerable need for public health interventions aimed at protecting their offspring from infection. The PAHAL project in Mumbai, India, conducted an HBV knowledge survey among women of childbearing age in three local slum communities preparatory to planning a comprehensive HBV education intervention targeting this population.MethodsFemale health workers approached all households in three designated slum neighborhoods: one each in the eastern suburbs (ES), western suburbs (WS) and Island City (IC). Female residents aged 18–45 were invited to participate in the study, and those who agreed to participate responded to a questionnaire that was administered in the form of an oral interview. The five sections of the questionnaire addressed demography, hepatitis B knowledge, personal risk related to hepatitis B, pregnancy and childbearing history, and the participant’s most recent pregnancy. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed.ResultsHealth workers submitted 6571 interview forms that were suitable for analysis (ES, 28 %; WS, 34 %; IC, 38 %). Large proportions of study participants were married (89 %), were not employed (94 %) and had completed less than 12 years of school (87 %). Only 240 (3.6 %) women answered yes when asked if they knew about hepatitis B. Among those women, there were high levels of accurate knowledge regarding some modes of hepatitis B transmission but low levels of accurate knowledge regarding other modes. Twenty-two percent of 739 women who had given birth within the previous 36 months reported that they had been tested for HBV during pregnancy. While 70 % of these women reported that their children had received three doses of hepatitis B vaccine, reported vaccination levels varied greatly across the three study areas.ConclusionsDespite the availability of a safe HBV vaccine, which is free for newborns and infants in many parts of India, preventing mother-to-child transmission of HBV remains a major challenge. Low awareness of HBV among women of childbearing age in Mumbai-area slums indicates a need for educational interventions targeting this population.