Sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among Ambulance Drivers and Mortuary Workers in Plateau State, Nigeria

Aims: To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among Ambulance Drivers and Mortuary workers in Plateau State with possible associated risk factors for the infection.

Study Design: A cross section, descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: Various hospitals in plateau state(Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in Jos, Plateau State Hospital in Jos, Air-Force base Hospital in Jos, Our Lady of Angels Hospital in Jos, MRS Hospital in Bassa Local government and Pankshin General Hospital in Pankshin Local Government in Plateau State) between December 2015 and February 2016.

Methodology: Eighty (80) blood samples were collected from Ambulance Drivers and Mortuary workers from various hospital for the determination of Hepatitis B surface Antigen and Hepatitis B core Immunoglobulin-M Antibody. Rapid Immunochromatographic Assay (Strip test) and Indirect Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) were used in the analyses of the samples.

Results: Out of 80 samples screened, 6 (7.5%) were positive for Hepatitis B surface Antigen and 7(8.8%) were positive for the Hepatitis B core Immunoglobulin-M antibody. Of the 80 samples analyzed, 56 were males of which 2 (3.6%) were positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen and 3(5.4%) were positive for Hepatitis B core Immunoglobulin-M Antibody respectively. In Females, 4 (16.7%) were positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen and 4 (16.7%) tested positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen. The presence of anti-Hepatitis B core Antibody (HBcAb) indicates previous or ongoing infection with Hepatitis B Virus. The 7 positive samples for Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin-M Antibody in this study indicate recent or acute infection with Hepatitis B Virus.

Conclusion: The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), well screened blood, vaccination and having one sexual partner needs to be advocated through public enlightment campaigns or education for proper prevention of Hepatitis B Virus infection among Health care workers.