Hepatitis C and delta viruses among HBV positive cohort in Abuja Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a transfusion transmissible viral pathogen known to cause chronic liver diseases associated with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The disease becomes more aggressive and severe in Hepatitis B, C and D co or tri-infected population which further complicates treatment options. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the burden of HCV and HDV infections among prospective donors tested positive for Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) in selected health facilities in Abuja, Nigeria. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 193 (M=99; F=94) consenting HBV infected prospective blood donors, between age range of 18 to 60 years with mean age 31.6 (SD=12.4) years, initially intended to donate blood but were disqualified due to their HBV status in four health facilities in Abuja Nigeria. The demographic and other relevant information were captured using a structured questionnaire anti-HCV, anti-HDV and HBsAg were detected by commercial qualitative ELISA kits according to the manufacturer's instructions. Results: Overall rates of 5.2% and 5.7% were detected for anti-HCV and anti-HDV among HBV infected cohort respectively. The rates were similar in male (7.1 %) for HCV and HDV but higher in male (7.1 %) than in female (3.4% and 4.3%) counterparts respectively. Furthermore, the males have 1.5 times higher risk of HCV/HDV with significant association (p=0.0065) than in females (OR= 1.47,95%CI 1.03- 2.21) for both infections. The rate (7.7%) for HCV peaked at age group≤20 years while anti-HDV rate (10.3%) was highest within the age groups 41-50years. However, HCV/HDV/HBV tri-infection rate (3.6%) was only found in male age ranged 21-30years. Among other predisposing risk factors for HCV/HDV/HBV co and tri-infections multiple sexual partnership was significantly associated (p<0.0423; OR=1.19, 95%CI 0.93-1.60) However, no significant association (p=0.059; OR=1.06,95%CI 1.23-2.11) w a s found between study participants with HCV/HDV/HBV tri-infection and age/sex. Conclusion: The study identified that the rate of HCV and HDV co-infection was high while tri infection was rare among the study population. Therefore, blood screening for HCV and HDV is recommended among individuals with chronic HBV infection.