Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Infection in Nigeria: A National Survey

Abstract

Abstract. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounts for about 1 million deaths worldwide annually. This study was to determine the prevalence, distribution of HBV, and factors associated with infection in an apparently healthy population in Nigeria. A cross-sectional study among the general population was conducted employing a multistage sampling technique. Data on demographic, social, and behavioral indicators were collected using questionnaires and blood samples tested for HBV seromarkers. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were done. Prevalence of hepatitis B infection was 12.2% (confidence interval [CI] = 10.3-14.5). Of the participants, more than half, 527 (54.6%), had evidence of previous exposure to HBV, while 306 (31.7%) showed no serologic evidence of infection or vaccination. Only 76 (7.9%) participants showed serologic evidence of immunity to HBV through vaccination. Factors associated with testing positive for HBV infection were dental procedure outside the health facility (odds ratios [OR] = 3.4, 95% CI = 1.52-7.70), local circumcision (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.17-2.57), and uvulectomy (OR = 1.65, 95% = 1.06-2.57). With logistic regression, only dental procedure outside the health facility (adjusted OR = 3.32, 95% CI = 1.38-7.97) remained significant. This first national survey on seroprevalence of hepatitis B describes the epidemiology and high prevalence of HBV infection in Nigeria and highlights the need for improved vaccination against HBV.

Hepatitis B and C in the adult population of Bissau, Guinea‐Bissau: a cross‐sectional survey

“…In a nationwide survey from Nigeria ( N = 965), HBsAg prevalence was 12.2% with the highest prevalence in those aged 20–29 years and among males . Additionally, 48.2% had evidence of HBV exposure, 7.9% were anti‐HBs‐only positive, and in 31.7% of the participants all HBV seromarkers were negative.…”

The occurrence and co-occurrence of aflatoxin and fumonisin along the maize value chain in southwest Nigeria

“…Furthermore, the prevalence for hepatitis B virus in Nigeria is also very high (~ 12.2%) (Olayinka et al, 2016); Concomitant hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and aflatoxin exposure greatly increase the risk of HCC (Wu et al, 2013). Therefore, since dietary exposure to aflatoxins and fumonisins among Nigerians is very likely, resulting health outcomes from its consumption is an important concern for the country.…”

Evaluation of Serum Levels of HBV-DNA Concentration and HBSAG Titers of Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Subjects at NAUTH Nnewi

“…Recent statistics indicate that not less than 23 million Nigerians are estimated to be infected with the HBV, making Nigeria one of the countries with the highest incidence of HBV infection in the world [5]. A national study done in Nigeria in 2016 shows a prevalence rate of 12.4 percent [6]. This worldwide burden of hepatitis B mandates accurate and timely diagnosis of patients infected with HBV and the use of treatment strategies derived from evidence-based guidelines.…”