April 2016 Vol. 4 No.4

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Original Research Article

Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C from Samples Received from the Various Wards in Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Okolobiri for Haematological Analyses

Ochei K. C.^1*, Obeagu E. I. ^1,2, Ibegi B. T.³, Ugobo E. I.⁴ and Odo M.⁵

¹Department of HSS and Laboratory, FHI 360 country office, Garki -Abuja Nigeria
²Diagnostic Laboratory Unit, Health Services Department, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria
³Department of Medical laboratory Sciences, Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island, Bayelsa State
⁴Initiative for People’s Good Health Ugep, Cross River State
⁵Department of Prevention, Care and Treatment, FHI 360 Country Office, Garki – Abuja Nigeria

*Corresponding Author’s Email: emmanuelobeagu@yahoo.com
obeagu.emmanuel@mouau.edu.ng

Accepted April 11, 2016

Abstract

Hepatitis B and C viral infections are major public health problems world-wide and are more prevalent in the developing countries. This study was conducted to find out the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among samples received from the various wards in Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Okolobiri Bayelsa State for haematological analysis. A total of 178 samples was received at NDUTH Okolobiri and were screened of hepatitis B and C. One step hepatitis B surface antigen test strip and hepatitis C virus test strip was used to detect antigen to HBV and antibodies to HCV in patient serum. The study showed the prevalence of HBsAg and HCV to be 10.67% and 3.93% respectively. The prevalence of HBsAg was higher in males 5 out of 20 (25%) than in females 14 out of 158 (8.86%). The prevalence of HCV was also higher in males 1 out of 20 (5%) than in females 6 out of 158 (3.8%). Among the different age groups, HBV and HCV were found to be more common in the 41 to 50 (36.36%) and 61 to 70 years (12.5%) age groups. The present study provides preliminary information about high HCV and HBV prevalence. The finding from the current study will be helpful for better management and control of viral hepatitis among patients seeking hospital care.

Keywords: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Samples, Wards, NDUTH