Detection and prevalence of Hepatitis B and C among the residents of Umuaka Community, Njaba L.G.A, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver. It is commonly caused by a viral infection. There are, however, other causes of hepatitis. These include autoimmune hepatitis and hepatitis that occurs as a secondary result of medications and chemical agents. This disease is characterized by fever, vomiting, nausea and jaundice. Various forms of hepatitis exist and they include; Hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, F. Owing to the sad experience of wrong diagnosis of this case and wrong treatment which most times lead to death this study work aimed at determining the presence of hepatitis agents and the prevalence of hepatitis among residents of Umuaka Community in Njaba L.G.A of Imo State was carried out between the month of September and November, 2013. Hundred and twenty (120) subjects between the age range of 5-84 years were screened for Hepatitis, using immunochromatographic (IC) strips. Two forms of Hepatitis: HBV and HCV were tested for, in the study area. The overall prevalence of all forms of Hepatitis in the study area was 9.16%. The prevalence for HBV and HCV were 9.16% and 0.0% respectively. The distribution of hepatitis groups among males and females was variable. Hepatitis B virus was the most dominant group and occurred 6.4% among males and 11.0% among females. In the age group 5-14 years 3 subjects were infected with hepatitis B virus and 25-34 years, 4 subjects each, were infected with Hepatitis. Females were more infected in these age groups than males. This is because, the anatomical site of female genital organ allows for easy contact with the semen of an infected sex-partner. These findings imply that there is adverse level of prevalence of Hepatitis B virus in this study area. However, rural people should be educated on the need to abstain from unsafe sexual engagements and avoid sharing of shaving sticks, blades and needles.