Markers of hepatitis B virus infection in a subset of young people in central Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is 50–100 times more infectious than HIV, and hepatitis B is endemic in Nigeria. In this study, we evaluated the serologic markers of HBV infection and associated socio-demographic factors in a subset of young people in Central Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 350 consenting newly admitted students of the 2016/2017 academic session of Nasarawa State University, and their socio-demographic information obtained using structured questionnaires. The sera were analysed for HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg and HBeAb using a 5-panel HBV profiling diagnostic kits (Qingdad High Top Biotech Co. Ltd, Hangzhou, China). Data was analysed using Smith's Statistical Package (version 2.80, California, USA); and test of significance performed at 95% confidence limit with P values ≤0.05 considered significant. Of the 350 participants, 157 (44.9%) were male and 193 (55.1%) were female. Overall, 34 (9.7%) had HBsAg, 134 (38.3%) had HBsAb, 98 (28.0%) had HBcAb, 13 (3.7%) had HBeAg and 16 (4.6%) had HBeAb. Gender distribution showed that 20 (12.7%), 78 (49.7%), 59 (37.6%), 9 (5.7%) and 11 (7.0%) of male subjects had HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg and HBeAb respectively. Among female subjects, the distribution of HBsAg, HBsAb, HBcAb, HBeAg and HBeAb was 14 (7.3%), 56 (29.0%), 39 (20.2%), 4 (2.1%) and 5 (2.6%), respectively. Being male, unmarried and histories of alcohol consumption, blood transfusion, sharing of sharp objects and multiple sex partners were significant predictors of infection (p ˂ 0.05). This study reveals high prevalence of HBV and risk of transmission in the apparently healthy freshmen. Our findings have critical implications for intervention initiatives especially among students and youths. Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, Hepatitis B core antibody, Hepatitis B e antigen, Hepatitis B surface antibody, Hepatitis B e antibody, Nigeria