HTLV-1 and other viral sexually transmitted infections in antenatal and gynaecological patients in Ghana.
BACKGROUND
The study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of infection with Human T cell lymphotrophic (leukemia) virus-1 (HTLV-1), Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in patients attending the antenatal and gynaecological outpatient clinics at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH).


METHODS
Prospective observational survey. Serum from each of the 517 participants was analysed for infection with Hepatitis B surface antigen with a latex agglutination test kit (Biotech Laboratories Ltd., Suffolk, United Kingdom), and tested for antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis C virus, and Human T cell lymphotrophic (leukemia) virus-1 (HTLV-1) with SERODIA passive-particle agglutination assay kits (FUJIREDIO Inc., Tokyo, Japan). The results were compared with reports from other institutions.


METHODS
The Obstetrics and Gynaecology outpatient clinics of the Korle-bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana. The virology Unit of the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), Accra, Ghana.


RESULTS
The prevalence of infection with Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 16.8%, Hepatitis C antibody 5.2% and HTLV-1 2.7%. Twelve (6%) out of 199 participants who gave informed consent tested positive for HIV antibody.


CONCLUSIONS
The study has demonstrated a high transmissible risk of HBV, HIV, HTLV-1, and HCV in Ghana and the necessity for antenatal screening for HBsAg to identify babies at risk of neonatal hepatitis B infection for appropriate intervention.
Apea-Kubi
K A
KA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Ghana Medical School, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Korle-Bu, Accra, Ghana. K_apea-kubi@hotmail.com
Yamaguchi
S
S
Sakyi
B
B
Ofori-Adjei
D
D
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D005869:Ghana / Q000453:epidemiology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D015490:HTLV-I Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014932:Women's Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*