Hepatitis B and C virus knowledge and infections in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Despite tremendous biotechnological and therapeutic advances, hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) still constitute a significant global health challenge. With Nigeria known to be a high HBV and HCV burden country, increasing knowledge about viral hepatitis in rural and urban settings, combined with testing and vaccination for unexposed individuals, could be an effective strategy to eliminate these viruses in Nigeria. Therefore, we undertook this prospective study to determine the level of knowledge and epidemiology of HBV and HCV in selected communities and towns in Enugu North geopolitical zone. In this study, 52.3 % of the participants admitted to having previously heard about hepatitis B and/or C. Also 71.2 % of the research participants had no prior vaccination against HBV. Based on our findings, the prevalence rate of HBV is 2.8 % and that of HCV is 0 %. With only the HBsAg marker detected using the five-panel test kits, five of our fourteen samples are designated as being in the acute phase. Another three had HBsAg and HBeAg present and were therefore classified as being either in the late acute or chronic phase. We also recorded a single case of waned immunity to HBV. Further studies to determine viral DNA levels and other new seromarkers is recommended along with vaccination of unvaccinated individuals.