A study of association between some live function tests and multiple (HBV and HCV) hepatitis infection

Abstract

The presence of HBSAg and HCV antibody in blood samples was evaluated and compared with the prevalence/influence of HBsAg/HCV (multiple) and single hepatitis on liver function tests of carriers. Sero-positive detection of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was performed on 1000 blood samples of carriers using EIA kits. Bilirubin levels were determined using the method of Powell. AST, ALT activities were measured by the method of Rietman and Frankel and alkaline phosphates activity by the method of Bowers and McComb. 11%, 21%, and 4% of the samples tested positive for HBsAg, HCV and multiple hepatitis respectively. More men (6.12%, 20.4%) tested positive for multiple and HCV than females (2%, 13.7%) respectively. Total bilirubin levels were significantly higher in HBsAg/HCV positive samples than in single HBsAg or HCV positive samples (p > 0.05). Multiple hepatitis infection and a higher prevalence of hepatitis C was found compared to hepatitis B. Men were more prone to multiple hepatitis and HCV infections than females. Levels of total bilirubin were higher in HBsAg/HCV positive samples than in single B or C positive samples.

Nigerian Journal of Health and Biomedical Sciences Vol. 7 (1) 2008 pp. 31-35