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Abstract of Applied Sciences and Engineering

February 2016, Volume 7, 7, pp 10

Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection among People Attending a Voluntary Screening Centre in Masaka, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Grace Pennap, Nuhu II

Grace Pennap 1 

Nuhu II 1 
  1. Microbiology Unit, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria 1

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Abstract:

Hepatitis C virus( HCV) is an emerging public health problem in Nigeria. This study therefore determined the seroprevalence of this  virus among people of a rural settlement in Nigeria during which 600 people were screened for HCV infection. Five ml of blood was collected from each participant, the serum harvested and screened for anti- HCV using a Chromatographic rapid test kit (ACON) according to the manufacturer’s instructions .The overall prevalence of HCV infection in this population was 24.2% being higher among males(23.7%) than females (23.7%) (p 0.05). When stratified by age infection was highest among those aged 21 -30 years(27.4%) and least among those aged 51 years and above (3.6%) (p  0.05). Occupation, education,and marital status had no statistically significant relationship with viral infection. This suggests the possibility of locale-specific risk factors. The 24.2% infection rate in this population is a cause for alarm because of the implication for end- stage liver diseases among these participants. There is therefore an urgent need for proactive policies on prevention and control also screening should be available and affordable.

Keywords:

Hepatitis C Virus, Voluntary Screening

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