Hepatitis B and C in the adult population of Bissau, Guinea‐Bissau: a cross‐sectional survey

Abstract

objective Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are prevalent in West Africa. To address the WHO 2030 goals of a 90% reduction in incidence and a 65% reduction in mortality for both infections, we assessed the prevalence of HBV and HCV from surveys in the general population.methods Participants in this cross-sectional survey were included from randomly selected houses in a demographic surveillance site in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau. Participants were interviewed and had a blood sample drawn for viral analyses (HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HCV and HCV RNA). Risk factors of HBV and HCV infection were determined by binomial regression adjusted for sex and age.results A total of 2715 participants were included in this study. The overall HBsAg prevalence was 18.7% (95% CI: 17.3-20.2%). HBsAg was associated with male sex (adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 1.64), and prevalence decreased with age >34 years. HBV exposure was found in 91.9% of participants. Although 72.6% of individuals without sexual debut had been exposed to HBV, ever engaging in a sexual relationship was associated with higher risk of HBV exposure (aRR 1.18). The anti-HCV prevalence was 0.5% (95% CI: 0.3-0.9%), and 78.6% of those had detectable HCV RNA. Risk factors for anti-HCV sero-positivity were age above 55 (aRR 10.60), a history of blood transfusion (aRR 5.07) and being in a polygamous marriage (aRR 3.52).conclusion In Guinea-Bissau initiatives to implement treatment and widespread testing are needed to reach the WHO 2030 goals.keywords hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV, HIV-2, HTLV, Guinea-Bissau Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (good health and well-being), SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals)

Risk Factors for Hepatitis B and C Infection in 10 to 40 Year Olds in Mongolia

“…Previously-used needle results are similar to ours. Our results were also dissimilar with the studies conducted among 1050 Pakistanis, who found that having any family member suffering from HBV or C dramatically increased the risk of infection (OR =15.6, p = .001), as well as using glass syrings (OR =8.6, p = .001) [26][27][28]. While our study is valid statistically, it does have some limitations.…”

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“…results are similar to ours. Our results were also dissimilar with the studies conducted among 1050 Pakistanis, who found that having any family member suffering from HBV or C dramatically increased the risk of infection (OR =15.6, p = .001), as well as using glass syrings (OR =8.6, p = .001) [26][27][28]. While our study is valid statistically, it does have some limitations.…”

Hepatitis B infection and risk factors among pregnant women and their male partners in the Baby Shower Programme in Nigeria: a cross‐sectional study

“…The community prevalence of Hep B infection varies across African countries, ranging from 3.9% in Rwanda [6] to 18.7% in Guinea Bissau [7]. A meta‐analysis (34 376 participants) estimated Hep B prevalence at 13.6% in Nigeria [8]; almost four times the global Hep B prevalence [5].…”