Serological markers and risk factors for hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses among students in a Nigerian university.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the seroprevalence rates of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections and to analyze associated risk factors among 400 students in a Nigerian.


METHODS
Participants were interviewed in a face-to-face sessions through a short structured questionnaire. Qualitative rapid immuno-chromatography test were used to screen for HBsAg and anti-HCV antibodies and these were confirmed by using third generation quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISAs).


RESULTS
Seroprevalence rates were: HBV. All these individuals were asymptomatic and unaware of their hepatitis status prior to this study. We did not detect any case of HBV/HCV co-infection. The risk of being infected with HBV or HCV was not associated with marital status or having facial/tribal (p>0.05). A significant association was found between HCV (not HBV) infection and blood transfusion {OR=5.0 (95% CI=0.91-27.47); chi2=4.15; p=0.04}.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV is lower among university students when compared to blood donors, HIV/AIDS patients and health workers in Nigeria. We have shown that these viruses circulate among the study population and blood transfusion identified as the factors most associated with HCV infection. Routine donor screening needs to be enforced and it is essential to implement prevention strategies focused on university students and youths in general.
Forbi
Joseph
J
Virology Laboratory, Innovative Biotech, GRA-Keffi/Abuja, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. cforbi79@hotmail.com
Pennap
Grace
G
Silas-Ndukuba
Charis
C
Agabi
Yunana
Y
Agwale
Simon
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002845:Chromatography / Q000379:methods; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013334:Students / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult
D015415:Biomarkers; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies