Serological and molecular detection of hepatitis C virus among students in a tertiary educational institution in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem and continues to be a major disease burden in the world, associated with serious health challenges including liver cirrhosis, cancer, lymphomas and death. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of HCV infection among students of the University of Calabar. Methodology: In a cross-sectional study, 200 students were tested for the presence of anti-HCV antibodies using a rapid immunochromatographic (ICT) assay (CTK Biotech, Inc. USA). Seropositive samples were confirmed using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay for detection of HCV RNA. Structured questionnaires were used to collect subjects' socio-demographic data and risk factors of infection. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0, with the level of significance set at p<0.05. Results: Of the 200 students screened, the seroprevalence of HCV was 15.0% (n=30) and 9.5% (n=19) was positive for HCV RNA by RT-PCR assay. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibody was significantly higher in females (18.8%, 12/64) than males (13.2%, 18/136) (x2=3.84, p=0.036). Alcohol consumption (OR=4.67, 95% CI=2.04-10.67, p=0.002), skin piercing (OR=32.99, 95% CI=5.95-72.37, p<0.0001), multiple sexual partners (OR=4.03, 95% CI=1.7-9.6, p=0.0018), and history of blood transfusion (OR=8.00, 95% CI=2.97-21.58, p<0.001) were risk factors significantly associated with HCV infection in the study participants. Conclusion: The findings of 15.0% and 9.5% prevalence of HCV infection by anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA, respectively in this study, showed that there is relatively high prevalence of HCV infection among the students' population in University of Calabar, Nigeria. Hence, routine medical screening of students for HCV infection using rapid ICT and RT-PCR techniques is hereby recommended.

Contexte: L'infection par le virus de l'hépatite C (VHC) est un problème de santé mondial et continue de représenter un fardeau de morbidité majeur dans le monde, associé à de graves problèmes de santé, notamment la cirrhose du foie, le cancer, les lymphomes et la mort. Cette étude a été réalisée pour déterminer la prévalence de l'infection par le VHC parmi les étudiants de l'Université de Calabar. Méthodologie: Dans une étude transversale, 200 étudiants ont été testés pour la présence d'anticorps anti-VHC à l'aide d'un test immunochromatographique rapide (ICT) (CTK Biotech, Inc., USA). Les échantillons séropositifs ont été confirmés à l'aide d'un test de réaction en chaîne par transcriptase inverse-polymérase (RT-PCR) pour la détection de l'ARN du VHC. Des questionnaires structurés ont été utilisés pour collecter les données sociodémographiques des sujets et les facteurs de risque d'infection. Les données ont été analysées à l'aide de SPSS version 16.0, avec le niveau de signification fixé à p <0,05 Résultats: Parmi les 200 étudiants dépistés, la séroprévalence du VHC était de 15,0% (n=30) et 9,5% (n=19) étaient positifs à l'ARN du VHC par test RT-PCR. La prévalence des anticorps anti-VHC était significativement plus élevée chez les femmes (18,8%, 12/64) que chez les hommes (13,2%, 18/136) (x 2=3,84, p=0,036). Consommation d'alcool (OR=4,67, IC 95%=2,04-10,67, p=0,002), perçage cutané (OR=32,99, IC 95%=5,95- 72,37, p <0,001) Conclusion: Les résultats de 15,0 % et 9,5 % de prévalence de l'infection par le VHC par les anticorps anti-VHC et l'ARN du VHC, respectivement dans cette étude, ont montré qu'il existe une prévalence relativement élevée de l'infection par le VHC parmi la population étudiante de l'Université de Calabar, au Nigéria. Par conséquent, un dépistage médical de routine des étudiants pour l'infection par le VHC à l'aide de techniques rapides de TIC et de RT-PCR est recommandé.

A Bacteriological of Make-up Tools Used in Calabar Metropolis, Cross River State, Nigeria

Sharing of make-up tools by multiple users is a possible means of transfer of fungal infections, such as dermatophytoses. With abrasion on the skin, it is possible for HIV, Hepatitis B virus, Spirochaetes and other pathogens to be carried via contaminated make-up tools, from one person to another. Using sterilized swab sticks, surfaces of make-up tools (sponge and brush) were cleansed. Materials deposited on the swab sticks were cultured aerobically on Chocolate and Cysteine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient Agar plates overnight at 37oC. After overnight aerobic incubation, the culture plates were read macroscopically for growth. Bacterial isolates were subjected to microscopic examination using Gram’s staining technique and biochemical tests (e.g. coagulase, catalase, oxidase, and motility). Results showed that the predominant bacterial growths obtained from the make-up tools were Staphylococcus aureus (51.5%), Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (25.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.2%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (16.5%). The different genera of bacteria were harvested from make-up brushes (66.2%) and make-up sponges (85.7%). There was no bacterial growth from 33.8% and 14.3% of make-up brushes and make-up sponges respectively. There was no statistical difference in terms of bacterial growth between the two tools (brush and sponge) sampled (P>0.05). This study has shown that there is a moderate possibility for the transfer of bacterial organisms (both skin flora and pathogens) from one person to another, through make-up tools, in our local communities. It is hereby recommended that health education talks should be carried out regularly among beauticians to encourage them to use disposable make-up tools with disinfectants.