Serological Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viral Infections in North Central Nigeria

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DOI: 10.21522/TIJPH.2013.08.02.Art037

Authors : Adeniyi, David Segun

Abstract:

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory disease of the liver that triggers a series of complex immune responses that could eventually result in damages to the liver tissue if persistent. It has been estimated that Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections mortality combined far exceeded the number of mortalities occasioned by HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria combined globally. The global HBV and HCV pandemic has its highest prevalence in the WHO Western Pacific and the WHO African regions. The WHO Eastern Mediterranean and the WHO European Regions carries the highest burdens of the HCV infection. The prevalence of HBV in Nigeria is very high as reported in several studies, and the prevalence of HCV is reported to be rising steadily. The low level of public awareness about the danger of HBV and HCV infections has contributed to the steady rise in the incidence of these infections among the Nigerian population. This study shows a 16% HBV prevalence, with a 2% HCV prevalence among the study population. The male population in this study have a higher prevalence of HBV infection (20%), with the female population having a 13% HBV prevalence. Only the female population has a prevalence of 4% for HCV infection in this study. The high prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in this study clearly requires all stakeholders to intensify advocacy and public health education on ways of preventing and managing HBV and HCV infections among the Nigerian population.

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