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Serum IgM Levels and Hepatitis D Virus Co-Infection in HBsAg-Positive Patients in Abakaliki, Nigeria Okosigha Saviour Azibanyam; Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth; Anyiam Vivian Ifeoma
African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research Vol 2 No 3 (2025): African Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajbmbr.v2i3.7486

Abstract

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a defective RNA virus that relies on co-infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) for its replication. This study aimed to identify HBsAg-positive patients co-infected with HDV and quantify serum IgM levels in a hospital-based population in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 1,000 patients attending the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) and Mile 4 Hospital Ishieke. HBsAg-positive individuals were identified using a rapid diagnostic kit, while HDV-IgM was detected using ELISA. Among the 1,000 participants, 89 (8.9%) tested positive for HBsAg, and of these, 5 (5.6%) were also positive for HDV-IgM, indicating active co-infection. HDV co-infection prevalence was higher among females (7.7%) compared to males (2.7%), and significantly higher among married individuals (6.9%) than singles (3.2%) (p < 0.05). Age-specific analysis revealed the highest co-infection rate (10%) among individuals aged 29–33 years, while no cases were recorded in the 34–45 years age group. Geographically, patients from Mile 4 Hospital had a higher co-infection rate (7.5%) than those from FETHA (2.8%). Educational status and occupation also influenced prevalence; tertiary-educated individuals had the highest rate (13.6%), while no cases were reported among those with only primary education. Students recorded a prevalence of 8.9%, with no co-infections detected among traders or housewives. Among clinical subgroups, pregnant women had a higher co-infection rate (9.5%) compared to blood donors (2.1%). These findings underscore the importance of routine HDV screening among HBsAg-positive patients, especially in high-risk groups, and the urgent need for targeted public health interventions to reduce the burden and severity of HBV/HDV co-infection in Nigeria. Further research is warranted to better understand the epidemiological dynamics and clinical implications of co-infection.
Prevalence of Hepatitis D Virus Co-Infection among HBsAg-Positive Patients in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria Okosigha Saviour Azibanyam; Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth; Anyiam Ifeoma Vivian
African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research Vol 2 No 3 (2025): African Journal of Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajcmpr.v2i3.7484

Abstract

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a defective RNA virus that requires co-infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication and expression. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of HDV co-infection among HBsAg-positive patients in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, involving 1,000 patients who presented at the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) and Mile 4 Hospital Ishieke during the study period. Screening for HBV infection was conducted using the Skytec one-step rapid diagnostic kit, identifying 89 (8.9%) HBsAg-positive individuals. Subsequently, anti-HDV IgM serology testing was performed using ELISA on serum samples from HBsAg-positive patients to detect HDV co-infection. HDV IgM antibodies were detected in 5 (5.6%) of the HBsAg-positive patients—four pregnant women and one blood donor. Age-specific HBsAg prevalence was highest in the 24–28-year age group (13.5%), followed by 19–23 years (9.4%) and 29–33 years (4.0%). Married individuals exhibited a higher prevalence (16.6%) than singles (4.8%). Educational level was also associated with prevalence, with tertiary education holders showing the highest rate (20.0%) compared to those with primary education (4.8%). Based on occupation, the highest HBsAg prevalence was recorded among housewives (25.0%), followed by traders (14.7%), students (9.4%), and civil servants (4.3%). The presence of HDV co-infection highlights its potential to exacerbate the clinical course of HBV infection. The study recommends routine HDV screening among HBsAg-positive patients for early detection and clinical management. Additionally, public health interventions should include RNA-based diagnostic tools, increased awareness of HBV/HDV risks in high-risk populations, and integrated care strategies tailored to region-specific epidemiological patterns in Nigeria.
Hepatitis B and D Virus Co-Infection: A Study of Seroprevalence and IgM Response among Patients in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria Okosigha Saviour Azibanyam; Imarenezor Edobor Peter Kenneth; Anyiam Vivian Ifeoma
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 2 No 3 (2025): African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/ajmsphr.v2i3.7485

Abstract

Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver commonly caused by viral infections, exists in five primary forms: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Among these, Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective virus that requires co-infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV) for replication. Hepatitis may present as acute or chronic, and early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications. This study investigated the seroprevalence of HBV and HDV co-infection among patients in Abakaliki Metropolis, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional analytical design was employed, involving 1,000 patients who attended the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) and Mile 4 Hospital Ishieke. Serological testing was conducted using ELISA kits in accordance with the manufacturer’s protocols and standard laboratory procedures. Of the 1,000 participants, 89 (8.9%) tested positive for HBsAg, indicating HBV infection, while 5 (5.6%) of these were also positive for HDV-IgM, confirming co-infection. The prevalence of HBV/HDV co-infection was higher among females (7.7%) compared to males (2.7%) and more pronounced among married individuals (6.9%) than singles (3.2%). These findings indicate a notable burden of HBV and HDV co-infection in the study area. The results underscore the importance of routine HDV screening for all HBsAg-positive patients and the implementation of targeted public health interventions to prevent HDV transmission and reduce the severity of HBV-related disease.