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All Journal Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research
Gutau Fipo Jiking
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Agriculture, Biological Sciences & Forestry Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Environmental Science Immunology & microbiology Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Social Sciences

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Epidemiological Serosurvey of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Apparently Healthy Individuals in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria Ishaku Frama; Sheyin Zakka; Bigwan Emmanuel Isa; Gutau Fipo Jiking; Ishaya Victoria
Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology Vol 2 No 2 (2025): Kwaghe International Journal of Sciences and Technology
Publisher : Darul Yasin Al Sys

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.58578/kijst.v2i2.5932

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a persistent global public health challenge due to its high transmissibility, potential for chronic progression, and association with severe hepatic complications such as liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite its clinical relevance, HCV remains underdiagnosed and underreported in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria, where asymptomatic carriers often remain unaware of their infection status. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of HCV among apparently healthy individuals in Jos North and to identify associated sociodemographic and behavioural risk factors. Ethical approval was obtained from the Plateau State Ministry of Health. A total of 180 eligible participants were recruited, and venous blood samples (5 mL) were collected aseptically from the antecubital vein. Anti-HCV antibodies were screened using rapid immunochromatographic assay kits (Labtrust, UK) and confirmed using ELISA kits (Qingdao Hightop Biotech, China). Sociodemographic and risk factor data were collected via structured questionnaires. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS version 27, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Results showed a seroprevalence rate of 5.0% (9/180), with slightly higher prevalence in females (5.4%) than males (4.3%), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.524). The age group 51–65 years exhibited the highest prevalence (7.5%), followed by those aged 41–50 years (6.3%), with no significant association between age and HCV positivity (p = 0.731). The findings underscore the presence of silent HCV infection in the population and call for expanded screening, public health education, and the implementation of free routine testing in government health facilities to mitigate transmission and late-stage complications.
Association of Hepatitis ‘C’ Virus Infection (HCV) and Liver Enzymes Abnormalities Among Apparently Healthy Individuals in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria Ishaku Frama; Sheyin Zakka; Bigwan Emmanuel Isa; Gutau Fipo Jiking; Ishaya Victoria
African Journal of Medicine, Surgery and Public Health Research Vol 2 No 2 (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.v2i2.5934

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant global health concern, particularly in resource-limited settings such as Nigeria, where routine screening and early diagnosis are often lacking. This study investigated the seroprevalence of HCV infection and its association with liver enzyme abnormalities among apparently healthy individuals in Jos North, Plateau State. A total of 180 participants were screened for anti-HCV antibodies using rapid diagnostic kits (Labtrust, UK) and confirmed by ELISA (Qingdao Hightop Biotech, China), yielding a seroprevalence rate of 5.0%. Liver function was evaluated through measurement of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels to assess hepatic injury. Among seropositive individuals, 88.9% showed elevated ALT and 77.8% had elevated AST levels. While these elevations were more frequent in HCV-positive participants than in seronegative controls, the differences were not statistically significant (ALT: p = 0.064; AST: p = 0.061). However, effect size analysis (Glass’s Δ > 1.4) indicated clinically meaningful enzyme elevations, suggesting subclinical liver injury. Multivariate logistic regression controlling for demographic variables did not reveal a statistically significant predictive relationship between HCV status and elevated liver enzymes, likely due to sample size limitations and potential multicollinearity. These findings underscore the silent progression of HCV-related hepatic damage in asymptomatic individuals and highlight the need for proactive screening and biochemical monitoring. Public health initiatives promoting widespread, cost-free HCV testing and liver function assessment are essential for early detection, reducing disease burden, and preventing long-term complications such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Co-Authors Bigwan Emmanuel Isa Ishaku Frama Ishaya Victoria Sheyin Zakka