N K Halim1, O I Ajayi. 1. Department of Haematology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors and sero-prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) in blood donors in Nigeria. DESIGN: A descriptive study was performed on 260 healthy blood donors. Sera were screened for anti-HCV, using enzyme linked immuno-absorbent assay. Personal information and risk factors associated with positive anti-HCV was volunteered by the study subjects using a questionnaire. SETTING: Blood Bank of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin, Nigeria. SUBJECTS: Two hundred and sixty healthy volunteer male donors aged 20-54 years. RESULTS: Anti-HCV prevalence rate was 12.3%. Fifty six point six per cent of the anti-HCV positives were in the 41-50 year age group. There was an association between anti-HCV positive and history of exposure to heterosexual partners at risk, history of sexually transmitted disease; low socio-economic status and hepatitis B surface antigen positivity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate was 12.3%; this was the highest reported among volunteer blood donors in Nigeria. In order to reduce the spread of hepatitis C virus, we recommend elimination of donors with risk factors identified as being associated with anti-HCV. The introduction of cost effective screening and public education on the epidemiology of anti-HCV, is also recommended.
OBJECTIVE: To determine risk factors and sero-prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) in blood donors in Nigeria. DESIGN: A descriptive study was performed on 260 healthy blood donors. Sera were screened for anti-HCV, using enzyme linked immuno-absorbent assay. Personal information and risk factors associated with positive anti-HCV was volunteered by the study subjects using a questionnaire. SETTING: Blood Bank of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin, Nigeria. SUBJECTS: Two hundred and sixty healthy volunteer male donors aged 20-54 years. RESULTS: Anti-HCV prevalence rate was 12.3%. Fifty six point six per cent of the anti-HCV positives were in the 41-50 year age group. There was an association between anti-HCV positive and history of exposure to heterosexual partners at risk, history of sexually transmitted disease; low socio-economic status and hepatitis B surface antigen positivity. CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate was 12.3%; this was the highest reported among volunteer blood donors in Nigeria. In order to reduce the spread of hepatitis C virus, we recommend elimination of donors with risk factors identified as being associated with anti-HCV. The introduction of cost effective screening and public education on the epidemiology of anti-HCV, is also recommended.
Authors: Calleb George Onyango; Lilian Ogonda; Bernard Guyah; Peter Okoth; Clement Shiluli; Felix Humwa; Vallarie Opollo Journal: BMC Res Notes Date: 2018-03-12
Authors: Obinna O Nwankiti; James A Ndako; Georgebest On Echeonwu; Atanda O Olabode; Chika I Nwosuh; Ema M Onovoh; Lilian A Okeke; Jumoke O Akinola; Boniface N Duru; Ijeoma O Nwagbo; Godwin O Agada; Anthony A Chukwuedo Journal: Virol J Date: 2009-07-20 Impact factor: 4.099