Journal of
Public Health and Epidemiology

  • Abbreviation: J. Public Health Epidemiol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2316
  • DOI: 10.5897/JPHE
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 653

Full Length Research Paper

Frequency of hepatitis C and D virus among chronic hepatitis B virus carriers in a Nigerian tertiary hospital

Chinenye Jennifer Mbamalu
  • Chinenye Jennifer Mbamalu
  • Medical Laboratory Services Department, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
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Ifeoma Mercy Ekejindu
  • Ifeoma Mercy Ekejindu
  • Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
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Ifeoma Bessie Enweani-Nwokelo
  • Ifeoma Bessie Enweani-Nwokelo
  • Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
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Obiefuna Ikechukwu Okeke
  • Obiefuna Ikechukwu Okeke
  • Medical Laboratory Services Department, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
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Chukwudi Amaechi Ofodile
  • Chukwudi Amaechi Ofodile
  • Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria.
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Stephen Okorafor Kalu
  • Stephen Okorafor Kalu
  • PCR Laboratory unit, HIV Care Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria.
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  •  Received: 26 October 2021
  •  Accepted: 30 November 2021
  •  Published: 31 January 2022

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus co-infection with Hepatitis C virus and/or Hepatitis D virus is known to result in a more deleterious disease than chronic HBV mono-infection, resulting in faster disease progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed at determining the serological prevalence of Hepatitis C and D virus infections among chronic Hepatitis B virus carriers and the frequency of Hepatitis B e Antigen in a tertiary hospital in South-East, Nigeria. This is a cross-sectional study involving 72 consenting participants who are chronic Hepatitis B virus carriers. Blood samples were collected and serological analysis as well as Hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid quantification was carried out. The Hepatitis B virus/Hepatitis C virus co-infection rate was observed as 37.5% and Hepatitis B virus/Hepatitis D virus co-infection occurred at a frequency of 2.8%. The Hepatits B viral load and serum alpha fetoprotein levels were observed to have significantly higher median values among the Hepatitis B virus/HCV co-infected participants than among the mono-infected participants (P<0.05). The median Hepatitis B viral load and serum alpha fetoprotein level were also higher among the Hepatitis B virus/Hepatitis D virus co-infected participants than the Hepatitis B mono-infected participants but the difference in viral load was not statistically significant. However, the difference in serum alpha fetoprotein level was observed to be statistically significant. These findings suggest the possibility of a more serious outcome of chronic Hepatitis B virus infection within the study area. Hence, there is need for regular monitoring and aggressive antiviral treatment.

Key words: Hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, hepatitis D virus, hepatitis B e Antigen.

Copyright © 2024 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article.

This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0

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