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Background: HCV is a leading cause of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure related deaths among children, adolescents and adults worldwide. Sub-Saharan Africa suffers disproportionately from lack of access to both screening for HCV and treatment services with a resultant high rate of chronic hepatitis C related morbidity and mortality. Nigeria is considered among countries with high Hepatitis C burden and the national prevalence average in 2013 was estimated to be 2.2%. Routine screening for hepatitis C antibody in the country is however sub-optimal. The present study sought to determine the prevalence of hepatitis C antibody in adults and children. Methods: This was a cross-sectional analysis of adults and children tested for Hepatitis C at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe; northeast Nigeria from January 2008 to December 2015. We consecutively reviewed results of Hepatitis C antibody tests performed using HCV ACON rapid immunoassay. Variables including age; sex, year test was performed and hepatitis C antibody status were analysed. Results: 6874 individuals tested aged 1-98 years; male: female ratio 1.4:1. HCV antibody was positive in 473 (6.9%). HCV antibody sero-positivity was associated with increasing age and was highest (18.0%) above 65 years. (p < 0.001) 282 (59.6%) with HCV antibody also tested for HBsAg. Dual seropositivity with HBsAg and HCV antibody was significantly higher among males (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Hepatitis C prevalence is high and increased with age to peak in the elderly. Dual HBV/HCV infection is highest in males.

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