Qualitative Detection of Serum Antibodies to Human Immunodeficiency Virus Amongst Patients in Biu, Borno State, Nigeria

Abstract

Survey was conducted to establish the incidence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) over a period of four (4) months. A total of 300 blood specimen collected from patients attending Abott Medical Centre was screened, using rapid Chromatographic immunoassay test kit. Out of the total patients screened, 56 (18.6%) were HIV positive, 38 (67.9%) were males, 18 (32.1%) were females and the highest infection (76.8%) occurred in patients between the age of 31-and 40. The age and sex of positive carriers had association with the disease occurrence. This finding confirmed endemicity of HIV and AIDS. HIV enlightenment campaigns/ advocacy, counselling, screening and testing of the public should be intensified, in addition to economic empowerment of women.

Keywords: Prevalence, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Chromatographic immunoassay, Biu, Borno State.

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 32 [2] September 2011, pp. 231-233