Hepatitis B chronic infection among pregnant women attending the antenatal care in Bor State Referral Hospital, South Sudan

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major public health problem affecting 400 million people worldwide, and is a common cause of chronic liver failure (cirrhosis) and hepatocellular carcinoma. Sixty-eight percent of infected people are from the African and Pacific regions. Vertical transmission from mother to newborn baby is one of the mechanisms by which chronic hepatitis virus infection spreads, besides infections from contaminated needles and syringes and sexual contact. Hepatitis B chronic infection is endemic in many poor countries, especially in Africa. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between July and August 2021. Pregnant women attending the antenatal care (ANC) in Bor State referral hospital, South Sudan, were interviewed to collect information on their socio-demographic characteristics and risk factors for hepatitis B infection. The objective was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B chronic infection through blood testing. Prevalence ratios for certain risk factors were calculated. Results: Two hundred pregnant women were enrolled. The Prevalence Rate for chronic infection with hepatitis B virus, diagnosed using the rapid immune-chromatographic assay for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), was 8.5%. (95% CI; 4.7% - 12.3%). None of the suspected risk factors studied were found to be significantly associated with testing positive for HBV, except for a history of previous jaundice. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV chronic infection among pregnant women in Bor, Jonglei State, is high hence there is a need for established public health interventions that can lead to a reduction of HBV vertical transmission. Treatment of pregnant women with HBV chronic infection using anti-viral medications during pregnancy might curb the vertical transmission rates.

Seroprevalence and associated risk factors for hepatitis B virus among pregnant women attending health facility in Osogbo, Nigeria

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection among pregnant women has a high rate of vertical transmission and consequential effects on fetal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of infection among pregnant women attending antenatal care services in Osogbo, Nigeria. Methodology This hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted among pregnant women attending routine antenatal care clinic between April and June 2021. Systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit 240 pregnant women, their data were collected by face to face interview using a pretested questionnaire, while blood sample was collected aseptically to determine hepatitis B surface antigen by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test kit. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine the association between explanatory variables and outcome variable. Results The mean age and seroprevalence of the study population were 27.50 ± 4.4 years and 5.8% respectively. The significant risk factors for HBV infection were tattooing (aOR = 5.22; 95% CI = 0.52­8.01; p = 0.0000), history of multiple sexual partners (aOR = 2.88; 95% CI = 1.92­12.42; p = 0.0044); and past history of contact with HBV patient (aOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.21­15.32; p = 0.0310) were significant predictors of HBV infection. Conclusion The seroprevalence of HBV from this study was of intermediate endemicity. We therefore, advocate for continuous health education programs on the mode of HBV transmission, high-risk behaviors and methods of preventions at antenatal care clinics to raise the awareness of mothers and limit the spread of infection.

Risk factors of transfusion transmissible infections among blood donors at Karongi Regional Centre for blood transfusion in Rwanda

Background Blood transfusion saves human lives, but also it can be a route for TransfusionTransmissible Infections (TTIs) including Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and syphilis. Objective This study aimed to explore the risk factors associated with TTIs among blood donors at Regional Centre for Blood Transfusion (RCBT) of Karongi, Rwanda. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study design conducted among 36,708 blood donors from 2015 to 2019. Data were extracted from the system known as eProgesaused and the outcome variable were TTIs including HBV, HCV and HIV (measured using Enzyme Immuno-Assay/Chemiluminescence Immunoassay) and syphilis (determined by Rapid Reagin Plasma). Descriptive statistics was computed to describe the characteristics of the blood donors. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the risk factors associated with TTIs. P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The study found that the overall prevalence of TTIs was 2.1%, while the prevalences of HBV, HCV, HIV, and syphilis were 1.3%, 0.4%, 0.06%, and 0.34%, respectively. Multivariable analysis showed that the factors associated with HBV, HCV, HIV and syphilis were being male, age more than 25 years, being married, living in urban areas, first time blood donors and blood donors living in Rusizi, Rusizi, Nyamasheke and Karongi districts. Conclusion This study revealed that the most frequent TTI was HBV among blood donors and the main risk groups were males, age group of 26-35 years, married and first time donors. Hence, while developing health policies to reduce the effects of HBV infection on safe blood transfusion, these study findings should be taken into account.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice towards hepatitis B and C viruses among the population of Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo

Background Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) infection remains significant public health problem worldwide. Unfortunately, the Democratic Republic of Congo is in an area of high endemicity, and its population remains poorly informed about these viral infections. Therefore, this study aims to determine Lubumbashi's knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward HBV and HCV. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study from March to August 2022 in Lubumbashi. A total of 704 participants were enrolled. We targeted all people of both sexes and ages. The participants' Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was assessed using online and printed or paper questionnaires. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software. Results Of the 704 participants, 70.9% had poor knowledge of viral hepatitis B and C, whereas 28.6% had terrible attitudes towards these infections and preferred to consult traditional healers instead of going to the hospital. A minority of the participants (12.2%) had good practices, those as being screened regularly to exclude any possible infection and being willing to be vaccinated depending on the availability of the HBV vaccine. Most participants (69.2%) needed to be aware of drugs that could effectively treat these infections. Conclusion Knowledge and practice about HBV and HCV in the Congolese population living in Lubumbashi have proven wrong. Similarly, the attitudes of the people towards these infections were negative. Therefore, an extensive health education program should be given to increase the awareness of this part of the Congolese population about HBV and HCV infection to provide better care.

Protection level of anti­hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin in a pediatric Cameroonian population

Despite the availability for nearly twenty years of an effective vaccine, hepatitis B remains one of the most frequent viral diseases throughout the world. Mother to child transmission is one of the primary routes of transmission in children. To assess the vaccine response in children born to HBV infected mothers. HBsAg positive consenting mothers registered in the antenatal care (ANC) service database of Centre Hospitalier Dominicain St Martin de Porres, Yaounde were enrolled with their children. Socio demographic char acteristics were collected using a tested questionnaire. The 5 markers of hepatitis B were tested and the quantification of anti HBsAg antibodies was done by indirect ELISA method. The data collected was analyzed using Microsoft excel and Epi info softwares. Out of 5,996 women registered, 143 were identified as HBsAg positive (2.38% prevalence) and none was HBeAg positive. Of these 143 HBsAg positive women, 50 were enrolled in the study. Of the 50 positive mothers, 78 children were included with a mean age ± standard deviation of 2.33±2.86 years. No child was infected with HBV, but all have been exposed to the virus (HBeAb positive). Overall 64 (82.05%) received at birth both anti HBs immunoglobulin (HBIG) and a dose of vaccine, while 14 (17.95%) received only the birth dose of vaccine. 72 (92.31%) children received all three recommended doses of vaccine. Vaccine responders were 62.82% (above 10 IU/ml), while 37.18% of children were non responders; representing a higher risk group if not boosted. The coverage of the anti HBV vaccine in children in this study was 92.31%. The protection level of 62.82% is below the 95% recommended rate by WHO. The factors sustaining this suboptimal protection should be investigated

The synergism of hepatitis B and aflatoxicosis in hepatocellular carcinoma development: A mini-review

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the twelfth most common cancer and the fifth leading cause of worldwide cancer related death. Chronic hepatitis B infection, caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and exposure to aflatoxins is fundamental in the formation of HCC in developing countries. This review of scientific publications aims to establish the detrimental effects of aflatoxin-contaminated foods and highlights the correlation between aflatoxin and hepatitis B viral-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Research has shown a significant increase in the occurrence of HCC in HBV-infected individuals exposed to fungal toxins. HBV demonstrates the ability to integrate and bind to p53 protein in the host DNA and propagate hepatocyte vulnerability through carcinogenic aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) damage. Although there has been clear evidence about the synergistic interaction of exposure to AFB1 and HBV infection in the induction of HCC, other literature has shown otherwise, mainly because incomplete and vague findings and hypotheses were made in regions where AFB1 and HBV pose a public health risk. Vaccination against hepatitis B and measures such as robust food safety systems to avoid hepatotoxicity and hepatocellular carcinogenesis induced by AFB1 is the most effective methods in the prevention of HCC induced by HBV and AFB1

Sécurité transfusionnelle infectieuse pendant la pandémie à COVID-19: Evaluation de quelques marqueurs sérologiques au centre hospitalier et universitaire de Yaoundé, Cameroun / Infectious transfusion safety during the COVID-19 pandemic: evaluation of some serological markers at the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital, Cameroon

Objectif. Mettre à jour les données sur la prévalence des infections transmissibles par transfusion en contexte de pandémie à coronavirus est très important pour la sécurité transfusionnelle dans notre milieu. Méthodes. Une étude transversale prospective a été menée du 05 avril au 02 mai 2021 au Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Yaoundé. Les donneurs de sang ont été inclus consécutivement après un entretien médical et dépistés pour les infections du Virus de l'Immunodéficience Humaine, du virus de l'hépatite B, du virus de l'hépatite C et du Treponema pallidum. L'analyse statistique a été faite à l'aide du logiciel SPSS version 23.0 avec pour seuil de significativité p<0,05. Résultats. Au total, 32/232 donneurs (13,8 %) avaient au moins une infection transmissible par transfusion. Les prévalences étaient de 7,8 %, 5,6 %, 0,9 % et 0,9 % respectivement pour l'infection à Virus de l'Immunodéficience Humaine, Virus de l'hépatite B, Virus de l'hépatite C et Treponema pallidum. La régression logistique binaire concernant le Virus de l'Immunodéficience Humaine a montré que le sexe masculin et le groupe sanguin AB étaient significativement associés à cette infection. Aucune association n'a été retrouvée pour les autres infections. Conclusion. Avec le contexte difficile lié à la pandémie à coronavirus, la prévalence cumulée des infections transmissibles par transfusion est restée relativement élevée. Une bonne sélection médicale des donneurs reste la clé pour permettre la sécurité transfusionnelle.

Objective. Updating data on the prevalence of transfusion-transmissible infections in the context of the coronavirus pandemic is very important for blood safety in our environment. Method. A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from April 05 to May 02, 2021 at the Yaoundé University Teaching Hospital. Blood donors were included consecutively after a medical interview and screened for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis C virus and Treponema pallidum infections. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0 software with the significance level p<0.05. Results. In total, 32/232 donors (13.8%) had at least one transfusion-transmissible infection. The prevalences were 7.8%, 5.6%, 0.9% and 0.9% respectively for infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus and Treponema pallidum. Binary logistic regression for Human Immunodeficiency Virus showed that male sex and AB blood group were significantly associated with this infection. No association was found for the other infections. Conclusion. With the difficult context linked to the coronavirus pandemic, the cumulative prevalence of infections transmissible by transfusion has remained relatively high. A good medical selection of donors remains the key to allow transfusion safety.

Evaluation of inflammatory and liver injury biomarkers among drug-naive viral hepatitis B patients: A study in a referral laboratory, Ghana

Background and Aim: Globally, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is among the commonest chronic infections and the leading cause of liver cancer. This study evaluated inflammatory and liver injury biomarkers among newlydiagnosed HBV-infected patients to reveal inflammation and liver injury levels. Patients and Methods: This case-control study was conducted among 146 newly diagnosed drug-naive patients and 64 blood donors. Questionnaires were administered to obtain demographic data. Blood samples were collected to assess viral serological markers, inflammatory markers, liver function, and hematological indices. Also, noninvasive markers of liver fibrosis (APRI: aspartate transaminase - platelet ratio index, FIB-4: fibrosis 4 index, and AAR: aspartate - alanine transaminase ratio) were mathematically derived. The patients were categorized into acute and chronic infections based on their viral serological markers. Results: Overall, 81.5% of the patients had an acute HBV infection, whereas 18.5% had a chronic HBV infection. There was a significant increase in the biomarkers of inflammation, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin 6, and liver injury (liver transaminases, FIB-4 index, and APRI) among the drug-naive chronic HBV-infected patients. The study also revealed significant anemia and leucocytosis in patients with chronic HBV infection. Further, the study showed a strong correlation between CRP and alanine transaminase among patients with chronic HBV infection. Conclusion: There was increased anemia, inflammation, and liver fibrosis among the drug-naive chronic HBVinfected patients; hence, public education is required so patients with viral hepatitis B in Ghana would visit the clinic earlier enough for proper clinical management.

Maternal vaccination: A narrative review

Background: Vaccinations in general are considered to be one of the greatest achievements in medicine, saving millions of lives globally. Aim: This narrative review highlights issues related to vaccination in pregnancy and provides information on those vaccines registered for use in pregnancy. Method: Published articles on vaccinations in pregnancy are included in this review. The search engines used included PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. Results: Vaccinations during pregnancy are more likely to be administered in high income countries (HICs) compared to low-income countries (LICs) due to easier access to healthcare services and better communicable disease awareness. Maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality rates associated with infectious diseases are higher in LICs with access to maternal care services, infrastructure and hospital equipment lacking in these settings. Conclusion: Suitable vaccinations are recommended for use in pregnancy to prevent harm to women, their foetuses and newborns from some communicable diseases, and they have resulted in declines in maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, this review has shown that vaccination during pregnancy is not only safe for both the woman and her foetus but also effective. Therefore, health professionals and national governments should strongly consider approved vaccinations prior to or during pregnancy.

Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, Southwest Ethiopia: community based cross-sectional study

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is one of the leading causes of liver diseases which occurs worldwide particularly in developing countries. It is often caused by prenatal transmission from mother to child or household transmission from a close contact during early childhood. It causes different complications like; jaundice, induces premature labor, and prematurity. Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antigen and associated factors among women of reproductive age in Bench Maji Zone, South West Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from December 15th, 2016 to February 15th, 2017. Multistage sampling technique was applied to select study participants. Logistic regression analysis was applied and p-values < 0.05 was used to see the significant association between dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 330 participants were included in this study yielding 98.8% response rate. The sero-prevalence of HBsAg among women of reproductive age was 28(8.5%). Having multiple sexual partners (AOR = 18.73, 95% CI =3.65, 96.21) history of unprotected sex (AOR = 9.39, 95% CI =1.64, 53.77) were found to be significantly associated with sero-prevalence of HBV. Conclusions: The sero-prevalence of HBV infection among women of reproductive age was highly endemic. Hence, behavioral education and communication programs focusing on reduction of risky sexual behaviors should be designed to reduce HBV infection.

Sociodemographic and medical characteristics of liver cirrhosis deaths in a Ghanaian tertiary hospita

Objective: Cirrhosis is common in Ghana because of its high risk factors prevalence. However, information on cirrhosis in Ghana is lacking. This study aimed to study the clinical, and laboratory characteristics of cirrhotic patients in a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Design: This was a retrospective study of sociodemographic characteristics, symptoms and signs, biochemical and fibrotic indices, treatments, and complications data of 247 patients with cirrhosis who died on admission. Setting: This study was carried out at the Gastroenterology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana, Results: Two-thirds (68.0%) of the patients were within 30 to 60 years, with more than half (73.7%) being males. The most common aetiological factors among the patients were Hepatitis B virus infection (53.8%), alcohol use (31.6%) and Hepatitis C virus infection (4.9%). More than half (55.0%) of the patients reported late for admission, and 67.2% died within the first two weeks of admission. The most common clinical feature was abdominal distension (61.1% of patients), and the least was upper-abdominal mass (14.2%). The levels of most liver test parameters were elevated, fibrotic indices were high, and haemoglobin and albumin levels were reduced. More than half (53.8%) of the patients were in Child Pugh class B. The most common complication was hepatic encephalopathy; the least was hepato-renal syndrome. Definite treatment for complications of cirrhosis was lacking. Conclusion: Deaths from cirrhosis at the hospital were mostly of young males with chronic hepatitis B infection. Implementation of hepatitis B prevention and treatment guidelines can help reduce cirrhosis deaths.

Sociodemographic and medical characteristics of liver cirrhosis deaths in a Ghanaian tertiary hospital

Objective: Cirrhosis is common in Ghana because of its high risk factors prevalence. However, information on cirrhosis in Ghana is lacking. This study aimed to study the clinical, and laboratory characteristics of cirrhotic patients in a tertiary hospital in Ghana. Design: This was a retrospective study ofsociodemographic characteristics, symptoms and signs, biochemical and fibrotic indices, treatments, and complications data of 247 patients with cirrhosis who died on admission. Setting: This study was carried out at the Gastroenterology Unit of the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Ghana, Results: Two-thirds (68.0%) of the patients were within 30 to 60 years, with more than half (73.7%) being males. The most common aetiological factors among the patients were Hepatitis B virus infection (53.8%), alcohol use (31.6%) and Hepatitis C virus infection (4.9%). More than half (55.0%) of the patients reported late for admission, and 67.2% died within the first two weeks of admission. The most common clinical feature was abdominal distension (61.1% of patients), and the least was upper-abdominal mass (14.2%). The levels of most liver test parameters were elevated, fibrotic indices were high, and haemoglobin and albumin levels were reduced. More than half (53.8%) of the patients were in Child Pugh class B. The most common complication was hepatic encephalopathy; the least was hepato-renal syndrome. Definite treatment for complications of cirrhosis was lacking. Conclusion: Deaths from cirrhosis at the hospital were mostly of young males with chronic hepatitis B infection. Implementation of hepatitis B prevention and treatment guidelines can help reduce cirrhosis deaths.

Mise en place d'un centre de traitement des épidémies (CTE) pour COVID-19 dans un service de Médecine Interne; les leçons apprises / Establishment of an Outbreak Center for Covid-19 (OCC), in an Internal Medicine department

Introduction: La fulgurante progression de la pandémie à covid -19 a imposé au Sénégal l'adoption de stratégies de riposte parmi lesquelles la mise en place de centres de traitement des épidémies (CTE) au sein des hôpitaux . Nous nous proposons d'évaluer les activités d'un CTE Covid-19 implanté dans un service de médecine interne et les leçons tirées de ce vécu. Méthodologie : Le CTE Covid -19 a été installé dans le service de médecine interne de l'Hôpital Régional de Thiès (HRT), mais avec conservation de lits dédiés aux patients non atteints de Covid-19. Les étudiants en année de doctorat affectés dans le service de médecine interne étaient responsables de la gestion quotidienne du CTE sous la supervision des spécialistes en médecine interne Ce service était subdivisé en deux parties: le CTE qui prenait en charge les cas de Covid -19 et le reste du service qui devait continuer à accueillir les patients atteints d'autres affections ou qui y étaient régulièrement suivies. Résultats : Du 1er mai au 30 octobre 2020, 237 patients ont été admis dans le CTE. Ils étaient âgés de 7 à 88 ans avec une moyenne d'âge de 53,41 ans et un sexe ratio de 1,60. Les motifs d'admission étaient une désaturation en oxygène inférieure à 90%, la présence d'au moins une comorbidité (autres infections, diabète , hypertension artérielle , obésité, maladies auto-immunes, cancers…). L'âge avancé mais aussi les patients ne pouvant être à domicile faisaient également partie des critères d'admission . Trois (3) cas de co-infection Covid-19 et tuberculose pulmonaire ont été relevés et trois (3) patients avaient un portage chronique du virus de l'hépatite B. Dans le cadre des hospitalisations non Covid -19, les affections suivantes ont été retrouvées : 8 cas de diabète déséquilibrés et autant d'hépatopathie (6,10%); l'accès palustre dans 3, 05% (n=3) ; la tuberculose pulmonaire (3,81%, n=3) ; 3 cas (2,29 %) d'anémie de type biermerien et de lupus érythémateux systémique. De même, 1 cas (0,76%) d 'empyème cérébral ; une polyarthrite rhumatoïde (0,76 %), une (01) maladie rénale chronique , 1 cas de défaillance cardiaque ont également été enregistrées. Cinq (5) cas (3,81 %) non affectés par l'infection à Covid -19 , à leur admission l'ont été au cours de leur hospitalisation et donc transférés au niveau de la zone rouge du CTE. Conclusion: La mise en place du CTE au niveau du service de Médecine interne , a permis une adaptation efficiente dans la prise en charge des patients concernés mais aussi de ceux qui étaient suivis pour des pathologies chroniques comme les urgences médicales reçues durant la période. La continuité des soins a été assurée et les liens avec les autres secteurs de la pyramide sanitaire du Sénégal ont été raffermis.

Introduction : The fast progression of covid -19 throughout the world has forced Senegal to adopt response strategies including the establishment of Outbreak Center for Covid- 19 (OCC ) within hospitals . We propose to evaluate the activi ties of an OCC implemented in an internal medicine department and the lessons learned from this experience. Methodology: The center for care of Covid-19 has been installed in the Internal Medicine department of the Thies Regional Hospital (HRT ), but with dedicated beds for patients non affected by the pandemic . Fifteen doctoral students were assigned, by local medical school , to the Department of Internal Medicine in order to be responsible for the day-to-day management of the OCC. They were supervised by internal medicine specialists . This service was divided into two parts: the OCC that handled Covid -19 cases and the rest of the service , which was to continue to take care of patients with other conditions or who were regularly monitored. Results: From May 1 to October 30, 2020, 237 patients were admitted to the CTE They ranged from 7 to 88 years old with an average age of 53.41 and a sex ratio of 1.60 .The reasons for admission were an oxygen desaturation of less than 90%, the presence of at least one comorbidity (other infections, diabetes, arterial hypertension, obesity, autoimmune diseases, cancers, etc .). Advanced age but also patients who could not be at home were also part of the admission criteria. Three (3) cases of Covid -19 co -infection and pulmonary tuberculosis were identified and three (3) patients had a chronic carriage of the hepatitis B virus. In the context of non -Covid -19 hospitalizations, the following conditions have been found: 8 cases of unbalanced diabetes and as many hepatopathy (6.10%); malaria access in 3.05% (n = 3); pulmonary tuberculosis (3.81%, n = 3); 3 cases (2.29%) of biermeric type anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus. Similarly, 1 case (0.76 %) of cerebral empyema; rheumatoid arthritis (0.76%), one (01) chronic kidney disease, 1 case of heart failure were also recorded Five (5) cases (3.81%) not affected by Covid-19 infection, on admission, were during their hospitalization and therefore transferred to the red zone of the CTE. Conclusion : The establishment of the OCC in the internal medicine service allowed an efficient adaptation in the care of the patients affected by covid disease but also of those who were followed for chronic pathologies or admitted for other medical emergencies This strategy has improved and strengthened the links with other sectors of Senegal 's health pyramid.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infections among blood donors in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria

Background: Transfusion of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected blood represents a major but avoidable means of HBV transmission, which unfortunately still account for millions of global HBV infections annually. Method: This study determined the prevalence of HBV infection among 550 blood donors aged 18 to 60 years from selected hospitals and blood transfusion centres within the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria, using hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit and Enzyme linked Immuno-sorbent Assay (ELISA). Representative positive and negative samples for RDT and ELISA were tested by both conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay Results: Forty nine (8.9%) and 14 (2.8%) out of the 550 blood donors tested positive for HBsAg with the RDT and ELISA respectively. Replacement donors had higher prevalence rate of the HBV infection than voluntary donors. The highest prevalence of HBV infection was recorded among the 30­39 year age group. The difference in the rate of infection between the males and the females was not statistically significant (p>0.05). A perfect agreement between RDT and PCR and fair agreement between ELISA and PCR were observed. Conclusion: This study report a high prevalence of hepatitis B virus infections among blood donors in Abuja, Nigeria which underscores the need for proper screening of blood for transfusion to completely eliminate the incidence of transfusion transmitted HBV infections

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection and associated factors among mothers in gondar, North-West Ethiopia: a population based study

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the main cause of serious liver infection. Factors that increase the risk of HBV infection include contact during child birth and different horizontal means of transmission, such as unprotected sexual exposure with an infected person and having direct contact with the blood of an infected person. Objectives: The main aim of this study is to determine seroprevalence of HBV infection and associated risk factors among mothers in Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted on mothers in Gondar from March to November 2016. Study participants were selected using a multistage cluster random sampling technique and a total of 419 mothers were included. Sociodemographic data and exposure to associated factors (hospital admission, history of circumcision, history of contact with jaundiced family and history of abortion) were collected through a structured questionnaire. Five milliliters of blood were collected from each study participant. Serum level hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBc were detected using sandwich and indirect ELISA, respectively. The data were entered with Epi Info 7 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. To declare the presence of association, odds ratio with 95% confidence interval and p-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result: A total of 419 mothers with the median age of 29 (20-58) years old were enrolled. The sero-prevalence of HBsAg and anti-HBc was 3.8% and 36.0%, respectively. Statistically significant association with HBV infection was observed for age (AOR= 6.960, 96% CI, 2.047-23.659, P= 0.002), history of hospital admission (AOR= 3.279, 95% CI, 1.054-10.195, P= 0.04), history of circumcision (AOR= 4.394, 95% CI, 1.463-13.198, P= 0.008), history of contact with jaundiced family (AOR= 3.877, 95% CI, 1.274-11.795, P= 0.017) and history of abortion (AOR= 4.867, 95% CI, 1.438-16.473, P= 0.011). Conclusions and recommendations: An intermediate seroprevalence of HBV infection, which is an important public health problem in the area, was detected. Therefore, implementing strategies for routine screening and care of mothers for hepatitis B virus would be important. Further, health education on modes of transmission and precautions and immunization of HBV has to be strengthened

Prevalence and associated risk factors of Hepatitis B and C virus infections among mothers in Jimma, South West Ethiopia: a community-based study

Background: Viral hepatitis affects over 400 million people globally with 6 to 10 million people newly infected each year. Viral hepatitis infectious agents such as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are among the greatest threats to the liver and can cause liver cancer. One of the most important modes of transmission of these viruses is a vertical transmission from mother to child. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection as well as its associated risk factors among mothers in Jimma. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 455 mothers in Jimma from June to December 2016. Simple random sampling was employed to recruit study participants and informed consent was obtained. From each mother, about 5ml of blood was collected and tested for HBsAg, anti-HBc, and HCVAg/Ab using ELISA. Chi-square and logistic regression tests were used to assess statistically significant associations between dependent and independent variables. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Result: HBsAg, anti-HBc and HCVAg/Ab prevalence was 5.7%, 30.5% and 2.5%, respectively. Multivariate logis-ic regression analysis showed that history of hospital admission (AOR = 3.098; P <0.040) and abortion (AOR = 15.514, P <0.001) remained independent predictors of HBsAg seropositivity. Conclusion: Hospital admission and abortion are the major risk factors for hepatitis B and C virus infection among mothers. Awareness creation for adult HBV vaccine and health education on modes of transmission should be promoted and strengthened

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus surface antigen, anti-hepatitis C virus antibody and their associated factors among mothers living in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections are major causes of acute and chronic liver disease and infection by these viruses during pregnancy is associated with maternal, fetal and neonatal health complications. Understanding the epidemiology of these viruses could be valuable to take appropriate preventive measures. Objective: This study aims to determine the seroprevalence and associated factors of HBV and HCV infection among mothers living in Harar, Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 461 mothers living in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia from March 1 ­May 30, 2017. The systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants. Sociodemographic information was collected through face-to-face interviews using pretested structured questionnaires. Five millilitres of venous blood was collected from each study subject and HBsAg and anti-HCV levels in sera were tested using a sandwich third generation Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Data was analysed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Result: The seroprevalence rates for HBV and HCV infection were 5.9% and 1.1%, respectively. None of the mothers were co-infected with HBV and HCV. Among the potential risk factors, previous history of abortion (AOR =3.7 95%, CI 1.4-9.6) and multiple sexual exposures (AOR =10.6, 95% CI 4.0-27.9) were significant predictors of HBV infection. Conclusion: This study determined that the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among mothers was 5.9% and 1.1% respectively. History of abortion and history of multiple sexual partners were significantly associated with HBV infection. Health education programs on the mode of HBV and HCV transmission, high-risk behaviours and methods of preventions are recommended to raise awareness and reduce the spread of infection

Immune protection of Hepatitis B vaccine among children living in gondar, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is a worldwide health problem and highly endemic in developing countries including Ethiopia. Hepatitis B vaccine is included in the routine Expanded Program on Immunization since 2007 in Ethiopia. Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the seroprotection level of hepatitis B vaccination among children who have received the vaccine. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on children attending kindergarten and elementary school in Gondar. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to collect the sociodemographic data. Blood samples were collected and serum separated to measure anti-HBs, anti-HBc, and HBsAg levels. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software version 21. Binary logistic regression analysis was done. P-value less than 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Out of 431 children screened, 27 were excluded from analysis because they were positive for anti-HBc (27/431, 6.3%) and/or for HBsAg (18/431 or 4.2%). Out of the rest 404 children, 130 (32.2%) had anti-HBs titers >10 mIU/ml (seroprotected), while 274 (68.8%) had anti-HBs titers <10 mIU/ml (non-protected). Among 130 sero-protected children, 99 (76.2%) were hypo-responders (antibody titer 10-100 mIU/ml) and 31 (23.8%) were good responders (antibody titer >100 mIU/ml). In multivariate analysis, children of age 6 and 8 years old were 2.4 times (AOR: 2.436, 95% CI 1.049-5.654) (P=0.038) and 3.3 times (AOR: 3.397, 95% CI1.306-8.837) (p=0.012) better responders compared to 9 years old children, respectively. Moreover, children whose mothers had no previous history of hepatitis were 2.0 times (AOR: 2.009, 95% CI 1.101-3.665) (P= 0.023) better responders compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: The seroprotection level among vaccinated children in Gondar was surprisingly low. Age and children from mothers with a history of hepatitis B infection were associated with seroprotection. The preliminary findings obtained in this study call for a thorough assessment of the effectiveness of the current hepatitis B vaccination program in this study region

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection and seroprotection of Hepatitis B vaccine among children in Jimma Town, South-West Ethiopia

Background: Hepatitis B virus is the leading cause of viral hepatitis and about 240 million people worldwide are chronic carriers. The virus is reported to be widely prevalent in Ethiopia and routine vaccination of children has been initiated in the country recently. We assessed the seroprevalence of HBV infection and seroprotection of HBV vaccine among children in Jimma. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 900 children who were 5-9 years of age between June and December 2016. A simple random sampling technique was employed to recruit study participants by proportional allocation into different Kebeles of Jimma. Data were collected using pretested questionnaire.3-5ml of blood sample was collected from each child and it was tested for HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs using ELISA (Bio-rad, Monolisa, Lacquote, France). Data were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression analysis. Result: HBsAg and anti-HBc prevalence among all participants was 3.5% and 3.8%, respectively. The prevalence of HBsAg among vaccinated and non-vaccinated children was 2.1% and 7.0% whereas anti-HBc positivity was 1.1% and 6.2%, respectively. It was also found that 58.4% of vaccinated children maintained a protective level of HB surface antibodies which is defined as ≥ 10 mIU/ml anti-HBs. While 1.8%(4/222) vaccinated children with protective anti-HBs levels were positive for hepatitis B core antibody, none of the vaccinated children with non-protective anti-HBs levels were positive for hepatitis B core antibody. Multi-variable logistic regression revealed that lack of vaccination (AOR =2.788, P < 0.029), children who were born at home (AOR= 3.211, P < 0.009), and children who had a history of hospital admission (AOR= 7.122, P <0.001) were more likely to be HBV surface antigen positive. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of hepatitis B infection is high among children who have not received HBV vaccination. Hepatitis B vaccine has contributed to the reduction of the infection in this endemic area, though further efforts are required to improve timely vaccination and its coverage. The prevalence of protective anti-HBs is low among fully vaccinated children, hence, it is better to include the monovalent birth dose of the vaccine and conduct further studies to evaluate underlining causes for the waning of serum anti-HBs level

Antibody response against Hepatitis B virus after vaccination and seroprevalence of HBV in children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Background: Around two billion people have been infected with HBV worldwide, and more than 240 million are chronic carriers. Vaccine introduction for HBV in children was officially launched by the WHO in 1980. Since then the vaccine response level has been determined in different countries. Since the introduction of the vaccine in Ethiopia in 2007, few studies have been conducted to assess the antibody response against the HBV vaccine. Objectives: The aim of this study is to determine antibody response against HBV after hepatitis B vaccination and assess the seroprevalence of HBV in children in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multistage probability sampling technique. Four hundred and fifty children between the ages of 5 and 8 living in Addis Ababa were enrolled. Socio-demographic characteristics were obtained through a structured questionnaire and three to four ml of blood was collected from each child. ELISA was performed to determine antibody levels against HBV. Results:The mean age was 7+1 (SD) years. Anti-HBs were detected in 54.3% (208/450) of children with a slightly higher proportion of protective level in females 98 (54.7%) than males 110 (53.9%). The overall vaccine coverage in our study was 85.1 %. The proportion of children with a protective level (>10 mIU/ml anti-HBs antibody) declined as the age of the child increased: 52.6%, 60%, 43.5% and 37.1% at the age of 5, 6, 7 and 8 years, respectively. Seroprevalence of HBsAg was 0.4%, whereas seroprevalence of anti-HBc was 5.6%. Age was negatively correlated with the response level (p=0.001), whereas sex and history of HBV infection had no significant association. Age was also significantly associated with seroprevalence of anti-HBc (p=0.003). Conclusion: The HBV vaccine coverage in children was high but antibody response against the vaccine appears low. Seroprevalence of the virus was also low. The low response level to the vaccine should be a concern and revaccination or booster doses should be considered for non-responding children. Further studies should also be undertaken