Prevalence and risk implications of Hepatitis B and C Viruses in a University community in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Objectives: This study determined the prevalence and risk implication of HBV and HCV in an asymptomatic university student group in Lagos, Nigeria.

Methods: A total of 90 students (38 males and 52 females) aged 16-25 years were enrolled in this study. Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C Virus Antibodies (Anti-HCV) were detected using an ELISA microplate spectrophotometer at 450nm absorbance. Data on medical and socio-demographic information was obtained using pretested structured self-administered questionnaires.

Results: The overall seroprevalence for HBsAg and Anti-HCV was 2.2% respectively. Hepatitis B surface antigen was tested in 2 (5.3%) males only. Anti-HCV antibody was detected in both males and females with a prevalence of 1 (2.63%) and 1 (1.92%) respectively; with a male-to-female ratio of 1: 1. The age 19-21 years had HBsAg with a prevalence of 4.26%.  The age group 16- 18 years and 19-21 years had an Anti-HCV prevalence of 3.57% and 2.12% respectively. Sexual intercourse, intravenous drug use, tattoos and body piercings were found to be associated (p < 0.05) with HBsAg and anti-HCV.

Conclusions: The prevalence of HBV and HCV among undergraduate university students in Lagos was 2.2% respectively. HBsAg and anti-HCV were detected among an asymptomatic group of students aged 16 -21 years with associated risk factors. This group must be considered as a high-risk group for viral hepatitis infection intervention.