Seroprevalence Of HBV Infection Research Articles

High seroprevalence and associated risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women living with HIV in Mtwara region, Tanzania

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a global public health problem. As of 2019, there were 296 million people chronically infected with HBV, resulting in nearly 1 million deaths from decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The seroprevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women in Tanzania was reported to range between 3.8 and 8.03%. However, data on HBV infection in HIV-infected pregnant women is limited. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for HBV infection among HIV-infected pregnant women in selected health facilities in the Mtwara region. This was a health facility-based quantitative cross-sectional study conducted for three months (from February to April 2022). A structured questionnaire was used to collect information from the study participants. A total of 4 ml of blood was collected for HBV screening and confirmatory tests using rapid diagnostic tests and automated Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) tests, respectively. The logistic regression model was used to identify significant variables for HBV infection.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty (n = 220) pregnant women living with HIV were enrolled in this study, with a median age of 32.7 years (Interquartile range (IQR) 27.6–37.6). The seroprevalence of HBV, chronic, and acute HBV infections were 10.5%, 10.0%, and 0.5%, respectively. We found that the multiparous women [aOR 11.99: 95% CI 1.11–129.01, p = 0.040], being infected with syphilis [aOR 27.65: 95% CI 9.07–84.30, p < 0.001], and having HIV viral load of 1000 copies/ml and above [aOR 16.00: 95% CI 1.70–150.63, p = 0.015], are factors independently associated with HBV infection.ConclusionsThe overall seroprevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women was 10.5%, which is high endemicity. Furthermore, the study revealed that having more than four children, a high HIV-1 viral load of ≥ 1000cp/ml, and being infected with syphilis are significant risk factors associated with HBV infection among pregnant women living with HIV in the Mtwara region.

Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: community based cross-sectional study.

Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the leading causes of liver diseases which occurs worldwide particularly in developing countries. It is often caused by prenatal transmission from mother to child or household transmission from a close contact during early childhood. It causes different complications like; jaundice, induces premature labor, and prematurity. The aim of this study was to estimate the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15th, 2016 to February 15th, 2017. Multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Logistic regression analysis was applied and p-values < 0.05 was used to see the significant association between dependent and independent variables. A total of 330 participants were included in this study yielding 98.8% response rate. The sero-prevalence of HBsAg among women of reproductive age was 28(8.5%). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 18.73, 95% CI =3.65, 96.21) history of unprotected sex (AOR = 9.39, 95% CI =1.64, 53.77) were found to be significantly associated with sero-prevalence of HBV. The sero-prevalence of HBV infection among women of reproductive age was highly endemic. Hence, behavioral education and communication programs focusing on reduction of risky sexual behaviors should be designed to reduce HBV infection.

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 Hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: Community based cross-sectional study

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the leading causes of liver diseases which occurs worldwide particularly in developing countries. It is often caused by prenatal transmission from mother to child or household transmission from a close contact during early childhood. It causes different complications like; jaundice, induces premature labor, and prematurity.&#x0D; Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia.&#x0D; Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15th, 2016 to February 15th, 2017. Multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Logistic regression analysis was applied and p-values &lt; 0.05 was used to see the significant association between dependent and independent variables.&#x0D; Results: A total of 330 participants were included in this study yielding 98.8% response rate. The sero-prevalence of hbsag among women of reproductive age was 28(8.5%). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 18.73, 95% CI = [3.65, 96.21) history of unprotected sex (AOR = 9.39, 95% CI = [1.64, 53.77) were found to be significantly associated with sero-prevalence of HBV.&#x0D; Conclusions: The sero-prevalence of HBV infection among women of reproductive age was highly endemic. Hence, behavioral education and communication programs focusing on reduction of risky sexual behaviors should be designed to reduce HBV infection.&#x0D; Keywords: Ethiopia; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis B surface antigen; women; reproductive age.

Seroprevalence of HBV Infection in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh

An estimated 1 million people die each year from HBV infection. This investigation aimed to determine the frequency, distribution, and risk factors for HBV infection in a healthy Bangladeshi community. A cross-sectional study among the general population was conducted in Dhaka Medical College Hospital. A series of 100 patients with the chronic liver disease between 18 to 49 years. Diagnosed based on clinical and biochemical parameters were collected. All medicine units of Dhaka Medical College Hospital have been analyzed regarding the seroprevalence of HBsAg and its correlation with the demographic pattern. Among 100 cases of liver disease, the number of CLD patients was 85, of which 56 (65.88%) were HBsAg positive 29 (34.11%) were HBsAg negative. The number of patients with acute viral hepatitis was 15, of which 4(26.66%) were HBsAg positive, 11(73.33%) were HBsAg negative, and the overall seroprevalence was 60%. The age incidence was more below 40 years (83%) less above the age of 40(17%). Males had higher seropositivity (70.31%) than females (41.66%). People of all ages are susceptible, particularly the farmers (21.66%) and manual laborers (13.33%). Most of the patients belong to the poor (62.79%) and middle class (62.22%). Urban people were more (60.93%) susceptible than rural people (58.33%). Married persons were more (70.27%) prone than unmarried (30.76%). Seroprevalence of HBsAg was more in those people who had a history of blood and blood product transfusion (84.61%). Illiterate persons were more (75%) susceptible than literate (59.37%). Seroprevalence of HBsAg was more in those who had a history of instrumental tooth extraction (68.42%) than those who had not (58.02%). People who cut their beards and mustache in the barbershop were more susceptible (73.91%) than those who got it by themselves (68.29%). Among female persons, those who underwent instrumental delivery were more susceptible than those who delivered their baby by normal vaginal delivery.

Hepatitis B and C Infections Among Pediatric Patients with Sickle Cell Disease at a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Background: The frequent use of blood products for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) may put them at risk of being infected with hepatitis virus infections, especially if such blood products are not properly screened. Hepatitis B and C infections (HBV and HCV, respectively) may result in cirrhosis and liver cell cancer. Objectives: This study determined the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections among pediatric patients with sickle cell disease in comparison with matched controls at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospitals (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that comprised of 116 patients with SCD and their aged and sex-matched controls who were referred to the pediatric clinics at EKSUTH. The hemoglobin (Hb) genotypes of the participants were confirmed by Hb electrophoresis and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Biorad, USA Variant II, using the Beta thalassemia short program. Moreover, HBV and HCV antigens were assessed by the Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay method (Kits were manufactured by Biotech Laboratories USA). Results: The mean ages of the patients with SCD and controls were 8.35 ± 4.50 and 8.92 ± 3.25 years, respectively. The seroprevalence of HBV infection among the children with sickle cell disease and controls was 1% each (P =1.00). The seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus infection was 0% among the two groups. Most (98.3%) of the patients with SCD and controls were fully vaccinated against HBV infection. The two children (100%) that were seropositive for hepatitis B were never vaccinated against HBV infection. Conclusions: The seroprevalence of HBV infection is low among patients with SCD and controls. This may be due to the protective effect of high hepatitis B vaccination rate and high quality of care among our study population.

Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the Healthy Volunteers: A Screening Campaign in Nowshera Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Hepatitis B viral infection (HBV) is a genuine worldwide general medical issue. The aim of this study was to find the epidemiology of HBV infection with common risk factors among the people of Nowshera Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A camp was conducted for HBV screening in Nowshera City (September 2018) in which 1180 volunteers participated. Blood (5ml) was taken from volunteers in medical camp and was transported to Aziz Biotech Medical Lab and Research Center Mardan, Pakistan. All the samples were initially screened for HBV surface antigen using ICT device kit (Accurate Diagnostics Canada). Positive samples were then subjected to Real time PCR to check active hepatitis B infection amongst positive ICT samples. Out of 1180 volunteers 58 (4.91%) were found positive including 22 (4.82%) females and 36 (4.97%) males. The ICT positive samples were than refined by real-time PCR for active hepatitis B virus out of that 26 (44.82%) were found active by PCR which comprises 8 (36.36%) females and 18 (50%) males. The HBsAg ratio was greater in the Age-limit 21-30 years (5.67%) and 41-50 years (5.20%). The Sero-prevalence of HBV infection is higher in Nowshera region. The prevalence ratio among males is greater than females and mostly infected females were married which shows that sexual interaction is the probable risk factor for HBV infection. The rural communities are illiterate and unaware of the causative agents, spreading and the consequences of HBV infection. Thus, to overcome the incidence of HBV infection, we must educate the ordinary citizens about Hepatitis B virus. Keywords: HBV Infections, Nowshera, Pakistan, Risk Factors

Hepatitis B and C: Seroprevalence, knowledge, practice and associated factors among medicine and health science students in Northeast Ethiopia.

BackgroundHealth care professionals, especially medical students, are at greater risk of contracting hepatitis B and C virus infections due to their occupational exposure to percutaneous injuries and other body fluids. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections among medicine and health science students in Northeast Ethiopia and to assess their knowledge and practice towards the occupational risk of viral hepatitis.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among a total of 408 medicine and health science students during the period from March to September 2017. A pre-coded self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on students’ socio- demographic characteristics, knowledge and practice of hepatitis B and C infections. Blood samples were collected and screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies. SPSS version 20 statistical software was used for data analysis.ResultsThe seroprevalence of HBV infection was 4.2% (95% CI 2.5 to 6.1%) and 0.7% (95% CI 0.0 to 1.7%) for HCV. Older age (AOR = 15.72, 95% CI 1.57–157.3) and exposure to needlestick injury (AOR = 3.43, 95% CI 1.10–10.73) were associated with a higher risk of HBV infection. Majority of the students (80.1%) had an adequate knowledge about hepatitis B and C infection, mode of transmission and preventive measures. Only 50.0% of students had safe practice towards occupational risk of viral hepatitis infection. Almost half (49.8%) of students experienced a needlestick injury; of which, 53.2% reported the incidence, and only 39.4% had screening test result for viral hepatitis.ConclusionA high seroprevalence but poor practice of hepatitis B and C virus infection was found in the study area despite their good knowledge towards occupational risk of viral hepatitis infection.

Human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and syphilis infections among long-distance truck drivers in, a Port city in Ghana

Background: Although the high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and syphilis infections among longdistance truck drivers has been well documented globally, such data are sparse from Africa, and there has been no such data from Ghana. This study carried out between the months of January and June 2013 sought to determine the sero-prevalence and risk factors of HIV, HBV and syphilis infections among long distance truck drivers at the Tema sea port, Ghana. Materials and Methods: Of a total of 800 eligible drivers, 106 (13.25%) drivers consented to take part in the study. Subjects voluntarily completed a risk factor questionnaire and provided blood specimen for testing for HIV, syphilis and the surface antigen of HBV (HBsAg). Results: The mean age of the drivers was 40.56 ± 11.56 years. The sero-prevalence of HIV was 0.94%, 14.2% had HBsAg and reactive syphilis serology was 3.8%. On multivariate analysis, the main determinants of HBV infection were; multiple sexual partnership (OR, 6.36; 95% CI: 1.35– 29.79), patronage of commercial sex workers (OR, 6.85; 95% CI: 0.88 – 52.89), cross-border travelers (OR: 6.89-fold, 95% CI: 0.86 - 55.55) and prolonged duration of trips for more than two weeks (OR: 4.76; 95% CI: 0.59 – 38.02). The main determinant of syphilis infection on multivariate analysis was being a Muslim (OR, 2.19; 95% CI: 0.22 – 21.74). Conclusion: The data indicate a lower sero-prevalence of HIV but a higher sero-prevalence of syphilis. However, the sero-prevalence of HBV infection is comparable to that of the general population.

Decrease in hepatitis B prevalence among blood donors in Central-West Brazil

BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to estimate hepatitis B virus seroprevalence among first-time blood donors in the city of Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul State, in the central-western region of Brazil.FindingsA retrospective analysis of first-time voluntary blood donor records, from January 2010 to December 2010, was conducted at the Hematology Center of Mato Grosso do Sul. The prevalence of the HBsAg and anti-HBc serological markers and their respective 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Chi-square analysis was performed between the seroprevalence previously found in 2001 and the one determined by the current study. Results were considered statistically significant if p < 0.05. Among 8,840 subjects, 269 (3.04%, 95% CI: 2.7-3.4) were positive for HBV markers. The prevalence rate of HBsAg was 0.19% (95% CI: 0.1-0.3) and anti-HBc alone was 2.85% (95% CI: 2.5-3.2).ConclusionsThere was no statistically significant difference regarding gender. However, an important association was observed between HBV infection and older age (p < 0.01). The seroprevalence of HBV infection in first-time blood donors diminished from 2001 to 2010 (p < 0.01). Such decrease suggests an improvement in the recruitment of safe donors, the positive impact of vaccination programs and the decreasing of HBV infection prevalence in the general population.

Temporal trends in hepatitis B and C infection in family blood donors from interior Sindh, Pakistan

BackgroundHepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infections are a serious global and national public health problem. Earlier studies have reported increasing rates of hepatitis infection in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas. Pakistan has no active surveillance program to monitor trends of these infections. The objective of this study was to verify this trend in blood donors from the rural Sindh area of the country.MethodsThe study analysed the data of blood donors of interior Sindh who donated blood at JPMC blood bank from January 1, 2004 to September 15, 2007. HBsAg status was determined by using HBsAg Serodia kit and antibodies to HCV using the Detect HCV ™ V.3 Kit. Samples repeatedly reactive for HBsAg or anti-HCV were considered positive for HBV or HCV infection respectively.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of HBV infection among donors was 6.2 % (95% CI 5.5%–6.9%) and did not change significantly over the study period. Overall seroprevalence of HBV infection in literate blood donors was 5.7 %(95% CI 4.7%–6.8%). Prevalence decreased significantly in this group over the study period (p = 0.05). No other significant trends in seroprevalence of HBV infection were seen in the stratified analyses.The overall seroprevalence of HCV among donors was 7.5% (95% CI 6.8%–8.3%) and increased significantly over the study period from 7.2% (95% CI 5.8%–8.7%) in 2004 to 8.9% (95% CI 7.4%–10.6%) in 2007 (p = 0.02). Significant increase in seroprevalence was particularly seen in literate (p = 0.03), non–first time (p = 0.01) and Sindhi speaking (p = 0.01) donors.ConclusionOur study finds a steady increase in the prevalence of HCV infection in blood donors from interior Sindh between 2004 and 2007. On the contrary, decreasing prevalence of HBV was found, particularly in literate blood donors. There may be a need to have rural community-based epidemiological studies to identify the determinants of the spread of HCV infection and also those that are limiting the spread of HBV infection particularly in the literate blood donor population.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis A, B, and C among roma and non‐roma children in a deprived area of Athens, Greece

The prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis A, B, and C (HAV, HBV, and HCV) markers were compared in non-Roma and Roma children who lived in a deprived suburb of Athens, Greece. The study included 216 children, 118 Roma and 98 non-Roma of 9 years median age (range 5-15 years). Among Roma children 98.3% had detectable antibodies to HAV, compared with 32.7% among non-Romas (P < 0.0001). Regarding HBV, 22% Roma children were identified with evidence of past infection (anti-HBc(+)), among whom five (4% of the total) were chronic carriers (HBsAg(+)), whereas no past infection was detected among the non-Romas (P < 0.0001). Markers of past HBV vaccination (anti-HBs(+), anti-HBc(-)) were detected in only 14% Roma but 96% non-Roma children (P-value < 0.0001). There was some indication for intrafamilial transmission of HAV and HBV in Roma school children. Unfavorable living conditions, frequent residency change, lack of child insurance and primary healthcare delivery were significantly associated with seroprevalence of HBV infection among Romas. No child in either group was found positive for HCV markers. These findings document high socioeconomic differentials with regards to preventable communicable diseases, such as HAV and HBV and underline the need for enhancing health policy action targeting pockets of minority childhood populations. Whereas, uptake of HBV vaccination is rather optimal in this general population, the high seroprevalence of HAV among Romas, also calls for implementing general vaccination for HAV, early in life.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses among Blood Donors in Sulaimani Major Blood Bank for the Years 2006 and 2007: A Comparative Study

Background: Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viral infections are a serious global public health&#x0D; problem. The objective of this study was to verify the trend of HBV and HCV infections among blood&#x0D; donors in Major Blood Bank of Sulaimani in the years 2006 and 2007. Patients and Methods: The study&#x0D; analyzed the data of blood donors in Sulaimani city who donated blood at Major Blood Bank of&#x0D; Sulaimani during the year 2006 and their correspondence in 2007. HBsAg status was determined by&#x0D; using BIOELISA HBsAg TEST KIT and antibodies to HCV using BIOELISA Anti-HCV TEST KIT.&#x0D; Samples repeatedly reactive for HBsAg or anti-HCV were considered positive for HBV or HCV infection&#x0D; respectively. We set up a hypothesis that to be tested using Chi-Square test at 95% confidence level and&#x0D; degree of freedom equal to one. Results: The overall seroprevalence of HBV infection among donors was&#x0D; 0.48% in 2006 and changed significantly in the next year to 0.25%, (P&lt;0.05). The overall seroprevalence&#x0D; of HCV among donors was 0.11% and did not changed significantly in the next year, (p &gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Significant decrease in HBsAg seroprevalence was particularly seen in non–first time donors in 2007, (p&#x0D; &lt; 0.05). All female donors were negative for HBV and HCV in both years. Conclusion: There are low&#x0D; rates of both HBV and HCV infections among blood donors in 2006 and 2007, HCV is less&#x0D; seroprevalence than HBV, and the decreased rate of HBV infection in 2007 than in 2006 indicates good&#x0D; control of known risk factors. Also, factors that led to zero% of infection among female donors should be&#x0D; clarified and followed.

Seroprevalences of Hepatitus B surface antigenaemia in children in a tertiary health institution in the Niger Delta of Nigeria

There is paucity of data on the seroprevalence of HBV infection in children living in urban areas of the Niger Delta of Nigeria. The aim of this study is to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigenaemia among children presenting to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), to determine the trend in the seroprevalence of HBsAg over a five-year period and to correlate serological findings to clinical features. A retrospective study of Serum samples from 251 children in UPTH aged > or = 16 years which were tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen using Clinotech HBsAg kits and confirmed using the Trinity Biotec enzyme linked immunosorbent assay based HBsAg kits. Medical records of the children were also obtained. The overall prevalence of HBsAg among children tested was 12.4%. HBsAg prevalence was highest in the 11-15 years age group (24.5%) and the lowest in the 6-10 years age group (11.0%). There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence of HBV positivity based on age groups (/ 2 = 8.47, p = 0.014). Prevalence rate was relatively higher among males (13.7%) compared to females (10.7%). There is a statistically significant trend in the decline of HBsAg prevalence 1999 to 2004 (/ 2 for trend = 11.38, p = 0.001). The predominant symptoms among children positive for HBsAg were hepatosplenomegaly (75%) and jaundice (64.5%). This study indicates a high prevalence of HBsAg among children presenting to a tertiary health facility in Port Harcourt.