Detection of Hepatitis-B Surface Antigen (HbsAg) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) among Voluntary Blood Donors in Enugu.

The prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was determined in the voluntary blood donors in Enugu, between April and December 2012. The blood donors were made up of students from different higher institutions in Enugu and also civil servants working in Enugu. A total of 290 blood samples were screened for HBsAg and HCV by rapid test kits. The overall prevalent rate of HBsAg and HCV were 5.17% and 1.03% respectively. The prevalence rate of HBsAg and HCV was higher in male (6.28% & 1.35%) than the female (1.49%). The study showed that the prevalence rate of HBsAg was also higher in blood donors between the age range of 28- 37 (7.14%) than those between the age range of 18-27(4.90%). HCV was also higher in blood donors with age range of 28-37(4.76%) than those between the age ranges of 18-27 years (0.41%). Hepatitis B surface antigen and HCV seropositivity were significantly associated with age, sex and states of origin of the blood donors (p<0.05). The prevalence of HBsAg in donors which are indigene of other states was 3.70% while indigene of Enugu state was 7.9%. HCV was found only on indigene of other states. Routine screening of blood donors for HBsAg and HCV are strongly recommended for blood donors in Enugu especially student in higher institutions. Keywords: HBsAg, HCV, prevalence, blood donor