Risk factors and seroprevalence of hepatitis C antibody in blood donors in Nigeria.
OBJECTIVE
To determine risk factors and sero-prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) in blood donors in Nigeria.


METHODS
A descriptive study was performed on 260 healthy blood donors. Sera were screened for anti-HCV, using enzyme linked immuno-absorbent assay. Personal information and risk factors associated with positive anti-HCV was volunteered by the study subjects using a questionnaire.


METHODS
Blood Bank of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin, Nigeria.


METHODS
Two hundred and sixty healthy volunteer male donors aged 20-54 years.


RESULTS
Anti-HCV prevalence rate was 12.3%. Fifty six point six per cent of the anti-HCV positives were in the 41-50 year age group. There was an association between anti-HCV positive and history of exposure to heterosexual partners at risk, history of sexually transmitted disease; low socio-economic status and hepatitis B surface antigen positivity.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence rate was 12.3%; this was the highest reported among volunteer blood donors in Nigeria. In order to reduce the spread of hepatitis C virus, we recommend elimination of donors with risk factors identified as being associated with anti-HCV. The introduction of cost effective screening and public education on the epidemiology of anti-HCV, is also recommended.
Halim
N K
NK
Department of Haematology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Ajayi
O I
OI
D000328:Adult; D001782:Blood Donors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies