Hepatology

Biography

Biography: Alphonsine Kouassi-M Bengue

Abstract

Background: Viral Hepatitis B infection is a serious public health problem. Africa and Asia are endemic with more than 8% of seroprevalence. In Asian countries like Taiwan, remarkable success in reducing long term complication has been reported by vaccination. World Health Organization guidelines advocate that the first dose of infant HB vaccine be administered in the first few days of life. However in most of sub Saharan countries, especially in Côte d'Ivoire the first dose is administered at six weeks of age. Universal infant vaccination with the hepatitis B (HB) vaccine has been implemented within Expanded Programmed Immunization (EPI) in 2003. Collaborative agreement between National hepatitis infection Control Programs and private partner had permitted to reduce cost of screening in laboratory. Objectives: This study sought to determine prevalence and factors associated with HBV in children and adults populations in Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Pasteur Institute of Cote d’Ivoire from July 2015 to February 2016. Ethical clearance for this study was obtained from National Ethical and Research Committee. We obtained informed written consent from participants of the study and administered a questionnaire related to socio demographical information and risk factors of possible route transmission HBV and HCV. Blood sample were collected for the detection of HBS Ag, Ab –HBc IgG and Ab –HCV. Serological analyses were performed by Cobas e 601 (Roche R). Data was entered into EPI INFO 3.5 and analyzed by logical R. Qualitative variables were compared using the Fisher exact test and quantitative variables by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: A total of 1801 patients were recruited; among them 138 children (7.7 %) aged 0 to 15 years and 1663 adults (92. 3%). Sex ratio was 1.2 (964/837). The overall prevalence of HBsAg was 30. 9% (557/1801). Concerning children 12.3% (17/138) were HBs Ag-positive. About HCV, the overall prevalence rate was 5.3% (95/1687), no child was HCV positive. Co- infection HBV /HCV rate was 0, 95% (16/1687). Undertaking age, blood transfusion, sharing of needle were associated with HCV (P=0.01). HBV was associated with sex, youth, promiscuity, low socio economical level, tattooing ((P<0.001; p<0.001; p=0.007; p=0.01; p=0.002). Conclusion: Our finding shows a high prevalence of HBV and measures to reduce the disease and transmission burden must be introduced.