Prevalence of HBs Antigen, and HCV and HIV Antibodies in a Young Male Population in Cameroon

Abstract

Introduction: According to WHO estimates, 57% of cases of liver cirrhosis and 78% of primary liver carcinoma are caused by a hepatitis B or C virus. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of these diseases and HIV among a young male population, according to region. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from 17 February to 31 March 2014 in the ten administrative regions of Cameroon. The study included male subjects of Cameroonian nationality aged at least 18 and at most 23, and living in the regions concerned. It excluded subjects that did not match the age, gender, and nationality criteria. For each subject, 10 ml of blood was collected in a dry tube. After centrifugation at 3000 RPM for 5 minutes, the serum was collected for the detection of viral infections. For subjects that tested positive, a confirmatory test was conducted. Results: In total, 4367 subjects were selected, with an average age of 20.46 (+/− 1.17) years. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus stood at 13.01% (with 95% CI: 12.03% -14.05%). That of viral hepatitis C was 0.30% (95% CI: 0.17% -0.52%). Co-infection with hepatitis B and C viruses was 0.05% (95% CI: 0.01% -0.18%). The prevalence of HIV infection was 1.01% (95% CI: 0.74% -1.36%). Conclusion: The overall prevalence of HBsAg in the population of young males is high. It tallies with the early vertical and horizontal modes of transmission that prevail in our environment.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Infections in Mokolo District Hospital, Northern Cameroon: The Value of a Screening Campaign

“…24 Also considering the fact that all participants who tested positive were unaware of their current infection status, the high prevalence rates in this study are particularly worrisome, as they suggest possible uncontrolled and unintended transmission from carriers to uninfected individuals within this community through multiple means of transmission. The seroprevalence of HBsAg rates found in this study concur with those of Noah et al, 25 who observed a rate of 22.8% for HBsAg in the farnorth region of Cameroon. Indeed, the seroprevalence of HBV is higher in the far-north region of Cameroon than in other regions of the country; other studies have reported prevalence rates of 11.8% for HBsAg and 0.6% for anti-HCV in the east, 26 4.1% for HBsAg and 0.4% for anti-HCV in the west, 27 10.1% for HBsAg and 4.8% for anti-HCV in the Littoral Region, 28 4.39%-12.14 % for HBsAg 29,30 and 1.44% for anti-HCV 30 in the center region, and 9.7% for HBsAg in the southwest region.…”

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Cameroon: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“… 60 65 Eight studies were conducted solely in rural areas, 13 41 48 58 67 22 in urban areas only, 33 36 40 43 44 46 47 49 50 52–57 62–64 66 and 14 in both urban and rural. 31 32 35 37 38 42 51 52 59–61 65 One study included only men, 57 11 only women 13 31 32 34 35 37 39 44 48 52 58 and 32 both sexes. 33 36 38 40–43 45–47 49–51 53–56 59–68 Concerning diagnostic test used in studies, 22 were a rapid diagnostic test, 13 32–36 38 40 45 48 49 53 54 56 58 59 61 62 65–67 9 were an enzyme linked immunoassay test, 37 41–44 47 52 57 64 5were enzyme immunoassay test, 31 39 46 60 63 1 was a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay and 7 studies not described in detail diagnostic tests.…”

“…This was done in one study but limited to young men (18–23 years). 57 In addition, the review included only one study specific to children. Across studies, HBV screening tools and their sensitivity and specificity may be different; this may influence estimates.…”

Competencies of Obstetric Caregivers Regarding Hepatitis B in the West Region of Cameroon

“…We were able to find a Cameroonian study [7] in 2018 which presented similar results highlighting a low level of global knowledge as well as a study in California in the United States of America [9] 1997 which reported a low level of general knowledge with regard to hepatitis B. With a prevalence of 10% in Cameroon [4,10] it will be expected that Cameroonian healthcare personnel will be more intellectually equipped regarding hepatitis B in order to effectively fight against this scourge.…”

“…Geographically, there are high prevalence areas where it varies between 10% to 20% [3]. In Cameroon, in particular, the prevalence is estimated at 10% in the general population and 7.1% in pregnant women [4]. Vertical mother-to-child transmission is the most used contamination route in high endemic areas (Cameroon) [2,3,5].…”