Prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV among livestock merchants and slaughterhouse workers in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background: Most studies on viral infections among livestock handlers have focused on occupational exposure from inadvertent contact with infected animals. Consequently, little emphasis is given to the effect of their lifestyle on the acquisition of other blood-borne viruses. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and assess risk factors for HIV, HBV and HCV infections among livestock handlers in Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 265 livestock handlers between October 2016 to April 2017 in Ibadan. The samples were tested for the presence of antibodies to HIV and HCV; and surface antigen to HBV using ELISA. Structured questionnaire was administered to collect information on risk factors associated with the transmission of these viruses. Data analysis was carried out using Chi-square test and logistic regression to determine the association between risk factors and predictors of infection (p < 0.05). Results: Of 265 participants, 11 (4.2%), 29 (10.9%) and 13 (4.9%) individuals tested positive for HIV, HBV and HCV infections respectively. Two (0.8%) of the participants were coinfected with HIV and HBV while 1(0.4%) was coinfected with both HBV and HCV. Individuals who travelled frequently in the course of Livestock trades had a higher rate of HIV infection. Conclusions: A high Infection with HIV, HBV and HCV is common among the study participants. There is a need for continued surveillance and awareness creation on preventive measures against these viruses. Keywords: Human immunodeficiency virus; viral hepatitis; slaughterhouse workers.