The Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus in Patients With Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Gombe, North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

The seropositivity for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was tested in 68 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to assess the association between hepatitis B virus and hepatocellular carcinoma. Of the 68 patients, 44(64.7%) were positive for HBsAg. The highest prevelance rate (76.2%) was found in the 40 - 90 years age group, and the highest incidence of HCC was also found in the same age group. The patients were predominantly males (M:F;2:1). There was, however, no significant difference in the prevalence rates of HbsAG between male and female HCC patients. This study confirms that hepatitis B virus is associated with most cases of HCC in our environment.


(Key words:Hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatitis B virus).


Sahel Medical Journal Vol.6(4) 2003: 104-106