Community seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C and human immunodeficiency virus in adult population in gojjam zones, northwest Ethiopia.
In Ethiopia, there is lack of data on the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immune deficiency virus (HIV) infections in adult population at community level. This study aimed at determining the HBV, HCV and HIV seroprevalence in adult population at community level in East and West Gojjam zones in Amhara region, Ethiopia.



A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 01 and November 30, 2015. The Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV were detected using the standard serological tests. The antibody to HIV infection was tested using the national HIV rapid tests algorithms.



A total of 481 adults comprised of 51% females with median age of 25 years took part in the study. Overall, 7.5% (95% CI: 5.5-10.2%) of adult population were infected either with HBV, HCV and HIV. The prevalence of HBV was 15 (3.1%) and for HIV was 16 (3.3%). The seroprevalence of HCV was five (1.0%). HIV-HCV co-infection was found to be two (0.4%). HIV prevalence was higher in non-educated population than their counter parts (P = 0.001). HIV prevalence was high in housewives (6.0%) and merchants (4.7%).



This study revealed an intermediate HBV prevalence and low prevalence of HCV in adult population at community level. HIV prevalence is still a major public health problem in the area. To have the national data, we recommend further study on genotypes of HBV and HCV including local risk factors for transmissions. Moreover, health education on HBV, HCV and HIV transmission should be an intervention measure in the community.
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. bayeabera15@gmail.com.
Bayeh
B
Abera
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
Yesuf
Y
Adem
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
Mulat
M
Yimer
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
Wondemagegn
W
Mulu
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
Yohannes
Y
Zenebe
Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.|Department of Biomedical research, Biotechnology Research Institute, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.
Zewdie
Z
Mekonnen
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D060085:Coinfection / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005002:Ethiopia / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D015483:HIV Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D055815:Young Adult
D015483:HIV Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies
Community; HBV; HCV; HIV