Hepatitis B virus and Chronic Liver disease in Nigeria: a brief review of literature

Abstract

About 300 million people worldwide are estimated to be infected with Hepatitis B virus. Nigeria is one of the countries with the highest incidence, with a prevalence of 10-15%. Across the country, the male to female predilection varies and children are not spared. Medical personnel, especially surgeons and dentists are at the greatest risk of infection, while other health workers, commercial sex workers, and drivers have also been found to be at significant risk of getting infected. In Nigeria, there is a strong relationship between HBV infection and various forms of Chronic liver disease [CLD], including chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV is not strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of CLD in Nigeria but coexistent HBV and HDV infection tends to aggravate the
course of HBV-associated liver disease. HBV infection worsens the prognosis in HIV positive patients. The ideal diagnostic tests- HBV DNA and liver biopsyare widely unavailable in the country and expensive for the average patient where available. HBV-induced liver disease affects people mainly in the prime of their life, and its prevention is therefore important. Prevention of infection will include primary methods such as education; enforcing rules on adequate screening of all blood donors; and vaccinating the entire population against HBV. Secondary prevention methods will include counseling patients about their infection
and their need to take precautions to prevent spread of infection; and enforcing standard safety precautions in laboratories and hospitals. For those with established
liver disease, the aim will be to provide skilled clinical care and social support to limit physical and social damage from the disease. HBV infection and its sequelae represent a real public health issue in Nigeria today, and should be adequately dealt with by health personnel, the government and all individuals.

IFEMED Journal Vol. 14 (1) 2008: pp. 6-10