Zero Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Coinfection among a Large Cohort of Health care Workers in Enugu, Nigeria: a Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B and C infections occur globally and their coinfection presents a treatment challenge with more severe health problems.  Nigeria is endemic for hepatitis B and health workers represent one of the high risk groups. It is therefore imperative for continued surveillance of  these infections among health workers to increase and strengthen awareness of preventive measures and treatment options when infected.

Objective: The authors set out to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C coinfection among health workers in Enugu, Nigeria.

Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu, between July and  August, 2016. Consenting health workers were screened using HBsAg and HCV chromatographic immunoassay rapid test strips.

Results: The study included 3132 health workers. The mean (SD) age was 39.4 (9.6) years and ranged. 18 – 75 years with a M:F ratio of 1:2.3. Doctors  and nurses constituted 297 (9.5%) and 580 (18.5%) respectively while majority 2,119 (67.6%) were made up of other cadres of health  workers. A total of 72 (2.3%) and 28 (0.9%) were positive for hepatitis B and C respectively, but none of the participants was positive for both  infections, giving a prevalence of 0.0% for hepatitis B and C coinfection.

Conclusion: The prevalences of hepatitis B and C coinfection is 0.0% among health workers in Enugu, Nigeria. There is need for sustained  awareness creation and health education programmes for prevention and control of hepatitis B and C infections in order to sustain the zero  prevalences of coinfection in our setting.