Serosurvey for HIV, Hepatitis B, and C Viruses Among Apparently Healthy Students of Federal Polytechnic Idah and its Environs
Serosurvey for HIV, Hepatitis B, and C Viruses Among Apparently Healthy Students of Federal Polytechnic Idah and its Environs
Joseph Oyiguh Abraham1, Cornelius Arome Omatola1*, Martin-Luther Oseni Okolo1, Ruth Foluke Aminu1, Emmanuel Edegbo1, Olubunmi Marvelous Emurotu1, Danjuma Muhammed2, Jesse Joseph Chock3, Helen Ojomachenwu Ocean4 and Yahaya Ocholi5
ABSTRACT
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) remain a significant public health concern globally. However, there is a dearth of information about the prevalence of the three viruses in the study area. Therefore, the current study determined the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV among students of a tertiary institution and its environs in Idah, Kogi State, Nigeria. Sera obtained from 1000 consented individuals were screened for HBsAg, anti-HCV, and HIV antibodies using commercial immunoassay test kits. Relevant demographic information was obtained from each participant with a structured questionnaire. Of the 1000 participants, HBV, HCV, and HIV were detected in 28 (2.8%), 2 (0.2%) and 3 (0.3%), respectively. However, no participant was simultaneously infected with any two or three viruses. The age group 21-40 years demonstrated greater exposure to HBV (7.57%), HCV (0.37%), and HIV (1.17%) infection than the others. More male than female participants had HBV (3.3% vs. 2.4%). On the contrary, both genders were equally infected with HCV (0.2% vs. 0.2%), while more of the females had HIV (0.6% Vs. 0.0%). Nevertheless, neither gender nor age of exposure significantly influenced any of the three viral infections. Being single significantly influenced HCV (P=0.02) and HIV (P=0.001) while levels of education significantly predict HBsAg seropositivity (P=0.02). Generally, not knowing about viral infection prevention was associated with a high prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV. In conclusion, the study observed a low prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV when compared with most reported studies elsewhere. However, the occurrence of more viral infections in association with a lack of knowledge of infection suggests the need to strengthen awareness programs on infection and control strategies in the area.
To share on other social networks, click on any share button. What are these?
