ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: This study aims to determine the rate of anti-hepatitis B virus coverage (anti-HBV) and the prevalence of Ag HBs among Beninese soldiers participating in military missions in Ivory Coast. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study within the Beninese battalion based in Anankouakouté in the Ivory Coast. The company's soldiers were administered interview-based questionnaire during a health education session. It focused on socio-demographic data, risk factors for infection and a history of vaccination against hepatitis B. Samples were analyzed for Ag HBs and HBS antibodies. Sodiers positive for AgHBs underwent complementary tests (ALT, HBeAg, anti-HBe antibody, IgM anti-HBc antibody and HBV DNA using PCR). RESULTS: One hundred seventy-five soldiers were enrolled in this study (with an average age of 31 years, ranging between 23 and 52 years; sex-ratio 5.73). Protective anti-HB antibody levels were found in 41 soldiers (23.4%). Some soldiers had had B hepatitis and had developed immunity to the virus (25 cases/41) while others had developed immunity after vaccination (16 cases/41). Eighteen soldiers (10.3%) had HBV (HBsAg+) infection. This infection was chronic (IgM anti-HBc - and anti-HBc antibody total + in 18 cases/18). Among the infected soldiers, 4 had elevated aminotransferase levels, 4 were found HBeAg-positive and 4 had elevated viremia levels (HBV DNA >2000IU/ml). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of Ag HBs among Beninese soldiers participating in military missions is high. However, immunization coverage is low. Intervention strategies should be implemented in order to treat subjects who meet the criteria and to vaccinate the unimmunized patients.
