Sero-prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) among blood donors in Yola, Nigeria

Abstract

Three hundred and seven (307) healthy blood donors aged 18 – 55 years were used to determine the sero-prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Yola, Nigeria. The association between donors' age, occupation and marital status and the prevalence of the infections among blood donors were assessed. Out of the 307 blood samples collected and examined, 57(18.6%) were infected with at least one of the viruses, representing 37(12.1%) HIV and 20(6.5%) HBV. Highest prevalence was observed amongst drivers across the different types of occupations, while divorced donors recorded highest rates of HIV (23.6%) and HBV (20.0%) for marital status. However, statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the prevalence of HIV and HBV among blood donors in relation to their age and occupation (p>0.05), while there was a significant difference in the rates of infections with respect to marital status (p<0.05). Single viral infections were also more frequently encountered (15.0%) among the donors than concurrent infection (3.6%).


IJONAS Vol. 3 (1) 2007: pp. 139-142