The prevalence of hepatitis B virus markers in a cohort of students in Bangui, Central African Republic

Abstract

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) is the major cause of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The global epidemiological scenario of HBV infection has been changing rapidly over the last two decades due to an effective immunization programme initiated by the World Health Organization. The objective of this study is to estimate the prevalence of HBV in apparently healthy young people and to identify the risk factors of transmission of the HBV among this population in Bangui.MethodsDried blood Spots from 801 adolescent high school and young adult university students were prepared by spotting a drop of whole blood (4 spots) from the same fingerprick onto Whatman filter paper. A blood sample aliquot eluted from DBS was then processed with commercial ELISA tests (Abbott Murex, Dartfort, UK) to detect HBsAg antigen, Anti-HBc and Anti-HBs antibodies).ResultsThe overall prevalence was 42.3% for antibody to hepatitis B core antigen, 15.5% for HBsAg of which 1.3% of HBsAg alone. HBV familial antecedents, sexual activity and socioeconomic conditions were the main risk factors of HBV infection encountered in the adolescents and young adults.ConclusionThese results show for the first time the high prevalence of HBV in apparently healthy young people in Bangui. This high prevalence is age- and sex-independent. Transmission risk factors were a familial antecedent of HBV, no utilisation of condoms and public scholarship. To lower HBV prevalence, an adequate program of active screening and vaccination for adolescents and young adults should be implemented, along with a universal immunization program.

Epidemiology and Molecular Characterization of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Isolated Villages in the Western Brazilian Amazon

“…This differs from the declines in prevalence described worldwide, [28][29][30][31][32] as well as in the rural communities of Southeast Asia, 33 and even in the Amazon region. 34 Analysis of the prevalence of the marker of previous infection enables us to infer aspects of HBV distribution in the population studied.…”

Prevalence of Hepatitis B among Students from the University of Lomé, Togo in 2015

“…Other studies have reported that this high rate of infection with hepatitis B among youth could be attributed to riskysexual behaviors such as multiple sexual partners, tattoos and piercings, although the difference was marginally significant [17]. In our study, we did not collect data on tattoos and piercing to document an association with hepatitis B.…”

The Prevalence Liver Function and Immunologic Status of Children With Hiv and Hepatitis B Virus Coinfection in Enugu, Nigeria

“…However, it was observed that the higher the social class, the lower the number of children positive to HBsAg. This is similar to the findings in Bangui (Komas et al, 2010), and in Enugu (Emechebe et al, 2008). This could be because people in the upper socioeconomic class are less likely to patronize medical quacks, or indulge in activities that may promote infection with HBV such as alternative medicine.…”