Prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis D virus antibody among asymptomatic carriers of Hepatitis B virus: a community survey |
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| Authors: | Uchenna C Okonkwo Henry C Okpara Kenneth Inaku Tony M Aluka Evaristus S Chukwudike Yeonun Ogarekpe Emin J Emin Osim Hodo Akaninyene A Otu |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Gastroenterology/Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine;2. Department of Chemical pathology;3. Department of Family Medicine;4. Infectious diseases Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria |
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| Abstract: | BackgroundHepatitis D virus (HDV) can cause a chronic infection in the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen and contribute to the burden of chronic liver disease especially in regions where chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic.AimTo determine the prevalence and risk factors of HDV among asymptomatic carriers of HBsAg in Cross River State, Nigeria.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among apparently healthy adults resident in Cross River State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demograhic data and risk factors for HBV/HDV infection. Participants blood samples were screened for HBsAg. Samples that were HBsAg positive were further screened for anti-HDVIgM. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.ResultsA total of 90 HBsAg positive samples were assayed. The prevalence of anti-HDV IgM was 5.6% (95% CI 1.1–10.1). The HDV positive subjects were mostly females (80%), reported family size of >5 members (80%), had female circumcision (75%) and took injections from Non-certified health care practitioners (NCHCPs). None of the assessed risk factors were significantly associated with HDV infection (p >0.05).ConclusionHepatitis D virus is moderately prevalent amongst asymptomatic HBsAg carriers in Cross River State, Nigeria. |
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| Keywords: | Hepatitis D virus Hepatitis B virus community survey |
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