Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), in sexually transmitted disease patients

Abstract

Aim: To determine the sero-prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), in sexually transmitted diseases(STD) patients and to determine the sex-related risk factors associated with HBsAg Patients and Methods: A descriptive study was performed at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, on 155 (79 males and 76 females) between the ages of 24 and 63 years (mean age 35±2.4 years ).Patients were consecutively selected from all adults attending the STD clinic. A questionnaire was administered to each patient, in order to ascertain the possible risk factors, for the transmission of HBsAg, with STDs as the main risk factor. The sex-related factors included a history of multiple partners in the past 6 months, a history of a number of episodes of STDs, history of heterosexual exposure to partners at risk, for example prostitutes; a history of symptoms of an STD at the commencement of the study. Sera were screened for HBsAg, using a rapid chromatographic iminuno-assay. Results: The number of HBsAg positives was 14.1%(males 5.1% and females 9%).The sex-related risk factors identified were a history of exposure to partners at risk; a history of HIV antibody; a history of clinical symptoms of an STD at the commencement of the study. Conclusion: The HBsAg sero-prevalence rate of 14.1% is high. The study showed that exposure to sex-related risk factors are liable for the high prevalence of HBsAg observed. In order to curb the further spread of the hepatitis B virus, we recommend prompt treatment of STDs; avoidance of people at risk of STDs; cost effective HBsAg screening and public health education based on the epidemiology of sex-related HBsAg acquisition .

Keywords

• hbsag
• seroprevaience
• std patients