Seroprevalence of hepatitis B viral infection in the okpoko community

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) is a potentially life-threatening liver infection. Little is known about seroprevalence at the community level. A cross-sectional, community-based study was conducted at Okopko, an urban slum in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria, using a multistage sampling technique. Stages were the constituency level, ward, and household levels. A total of 867 participants were enrolled. Methods: Testing for the markers of HBV was performed using Diagnostic Kit (USA). The test panel detects hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg), antibody to e antigen (HBeAb), core antibody (HBcAb), and surface antibody (HBsAb) using colloidal gold and membrane chromatographic technology. Results: The seroprevalence of HBsAg was 6.6%. Seroprevalence was higher in males (7.4%) than in females (5.5%) (P > 0.05). The peak seroprevalence occurred in the age group of 40–49 years for both males (13.6%) and females (8.1%) (P < 0.05). Exactly 4.7% were positive for HBeAg and 5.8% for HBsAg + HBeAg + HBcAb. Only 1% was positive for HBsAb. Conclusion: Okpoko community has a high intermediate prevalence rate of HBV infection. The HBV vaccination level is very low in the community.