Human immunonodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus: sero-prevalence, co-infection and risk factors among prison inmates in Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Published data on HIV, HBV, and HCV in correctional facilities in Nigeria is scarce. We set out to establish the seroprevalence, co-infection, and risk factors for these infections for the first time among prison inmates in Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Methodology: In a cross-sectional study conducted between April and May, 2007, blood samples were collected from 300 male prisoners of a mean age of 29.2 years, in the state’s four medium-security prisons (overall population: 587). Prior to the study, ethical clearance and informed consent were obtained and structured questionnaires were administered. Samples were analyzed for HIV, HBsAg, and HCV using anti-HIV 1+2-EIA-avicenna, ShantestTM-HBsAg ELISA, and anti-HCV-EIA-avicenna, respectively. Specimens initially reactive for HIV were retested with vironostika microelisa. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 13.0. P values ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. Results: Of the 300 subjects, 54 (18.0 %), 69 (23.0 %), and 37 (12.3 %) tested positive for HIV, HBV, and HCV, respectively. Co-infections were eight (2.7 %) for HIV/HBV and two (0.7 %) for HBV/HCV. Those aged 21-26 years were more likely to be infected with HIV and HBV, while those aged 33-38 years had the highest HCV infection. Associated risk factors included duration in prison, previous incarceration (for HIV, HBV and HCV), intra-prison anal sex, multiple sex partners (for HIV and HBV), ignorance of transmission modes, blood transfusion, and alcohol consumption (for HBV and HCV). No inmate injected drugs. Conclusions: The overall outcome represents the need for prison-focused intervention initiatives in Nigeria. Injected drug use is an unlikely major transmission mode among Nigerian inmates.

Sero-Prevalence of Bloodborne Tumor Viruses (HCV, HBV, HTLV-I and KSHV Infections) and Related Risk Factors among Prisoners in Razavi Khorasan Province, Iran, in 2008

“…In contrast, HCV-HBV co-infection of prisoners (the prevalence of 0.7%) in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, was lower than the rate found in our study (44). This lower rate of co-infection was expected because none of the inmates in the mentioned study were exposed to drug use.…”

“…Also, in a study conducted to evaluate the sero-prevalence, co-infection, and risk factors of HIV, HBV, and HCV among inmates in Nasarawa State, Nigeria, the length of incarceration, previous incarceration (for HIV, HBV, and HCV), intra-prison anal sex, multiple sex partners (for HIV and HBV), and ignorance of transmission modes, blood transfusion, and alcohol consumption (for HBV and HCV) were risk factors among the population of study (44). …”

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Serological Patterns in Benue State, Nigeria

“…Similar [14] in Kogi state, Forbi et al [15] and Adoga et al [16], respectively, in Nasarawa State, Egah et al [17] and Uneke et al [18], respectively, in Jos, Plateau State. …”

Epidemiology and molecular characterization of hepatitis B virus in Luanda, Angola

“…Some predisposing risk factors have been associated with HBV infection in different African populations, such as unprotected sexual activities (Abou et al 2009), multiple sexual partners and blood transfusions (Adoga et al 2009). In this cohort of Angolans, HBV infection was not associated with the most common predisposing risk factors, which is probably due to the very high rate of HBV infection in this cohort (about 80%).…”