Hepatitis C Virus Seroprevalence in Blood Donors at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu.

Abstract

Background/Aim: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. In developing countries, blood transfusion is still a major route of its transmission. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HCV infection among blood donors and to determine some of the risk factors for the acquisition of this infection.
Method: This was a cross sectional study of consecutive blood donors at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) Enugu between September 1 2004 and December 31 2005. HCV antibody test was carried out using a 3rd generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (EIA-3).
Results: Two hundred and sixty eight (268) blood donors participated in the study (246 males and 22 females). The seroprevalence of HCV antibody was 3.7%. Previous history of blood transfusion was more prevalent in HCV antibody positive blood donors than HCV antibody negative blood donors.
Conclusion: The seroprevalence of HCV antibody in blood donors in Enugu is 3.7%. Previous blood transfusion is a risk factor for acquiring the infection.


Keywords: Hepatitis C Virus, Blood donors, transfusion

Journal of College of Medicine Vol. 12 (2) 2007: pp. 85-88