Risk factors and seroprevalence of hepatitis C antibody in blood donors in Nigeria
Halim, N.K.; Ajayi, O.I.
East African Medical Journal 77(8): 410-412
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0012-835X PMID: 12862062 Document Number: 513262
To determine risk factors and sero-prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV) in blood donors in Nigeria. 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. Blood Bank of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin, Nigeria. Two hundred and sixty healthy volunteer male donors aged 20-54 years. 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. 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.