Survey of Hepatitis B and C among students of Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B and C viral infection is one of the major global public health problems which are a silent killer in the world. This viral infection has similar means of transmission through body fluid with an infected individual. The aim of this study was to determine the sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibody among students of Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. A total 100 students consisting of 50 males and 50 females within the age range of 15 to 50 years were screened randomly. Rapid diagnostic test kits were used to screen for HBsAg and HCV among the participants. Of the hundred participants screened, 6 (6%) were seropositive and 94 (94%) seronegative for HBsAg, and 6 (6%) were seropositive and 94 (94%) seronegative for HCV. From the 50 males, 6 (12%) prevalence rate was shown for HBV why for the 50 females it was 0% prevalence. Also, from the hundred individuals, with respect to HCV, 5 (10%) and 1 (2%) were seropositive for HCV infection in male and female respectively. In terms of age, prevalence for HBsAg was 4.8 and 11.8% within age 11 to 30 and 31 to 50 respectively while for HCV, a prevalence of 3.6 and 17.6% was recorded within age ranges of 11 to 30 and 31 to 50, respectively. The highest prevalence rate was recorded among the male students with a rate of 12 and 10% for HBV and HCV, respectively. However, there was no record of co-infection of HBV and HCV in this study. The results obtained from this researched implies that students should be encouraged to go for screening and know their status for proper management to avoid cirrhosis and liver cancer and take steps to avoid infecting patients. Hence, for those that are seropositive, early diagnosis, treatment and vaccination are the recommended preventive measures.

Keywords: Survey, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, students, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State.