DETECTION OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS FROM INMATES IN SELECTED CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES IN NIGER STATE

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research has shown high transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) among inmates in correctional facilities in the developed world, but the data base for the developing countries is still lacking information on same. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection in inmates of selected correctional facilities in Niger state. Blood samples were collected from inmates in three correctional facilities namely Bida, Kontagora and Minna. A total of 344 inmates consented to giving their blood samples for the test. Questionnaires were administered to get their Bio-data and 5ml of blood sample was collected from each person. The plasma was separated and tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) using rapid chromatographic immunoassay test (ICT). The negative samples were further screened using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All the HBsAg positive samples either by ICT or ELISA were subjected to further test using 5-panel (HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb and HBcAb) HBV test card. Out of the 344 samples collected, 75 (22%) were positive by ICT for HBsAg. ELISA gave an overall prevalence rate of 25% (87/344) as additional 12 samples were positive. TThe result of the 5-panel showed that HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb and HBcAb were present in 87, 19, 20, 47 and 68 plasma respectively. This implies that 87 persons were infected, 19 had immunity against the virus, 20 had active viral replication, 47 with no viral replication and 68 with onset of acute infection. The HBV infection was highest in the age bracket 21-30 years (29.7%) and lowest in 61-70% (0%). There was no statistically significant difference between the viral infection and locations. However, out of the associated risk factors, sharing of objects showed statistically significant association with the high prevalence of the HBV. This study showed the prevalence of HBV among inmates. As such, there is need for constant screening of the inmates for effective prevention measure and proper clinical management strategy