Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody to hepatitis C virus among accident and emergency patients

To determine the sero-prevalence and epidemiology of antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) and hepatitis B surface antigen in accident and emergency patients.

A descriptive study was performed on 150 accident and emergency patients. Sera was screened for anti-HCV and HbsAg, using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Personal information and risk factors involved were obtained using a questionnaire.

Haematology laboratory of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

One hundred and fifty adults consisting of 122 males and 28 females who were above the age of 21 years. Patients were randomly selected from all adults including dental patients attending the emergency department for both surgical, dental and medical emergencies. The age range was between 21-58 years. In order to ascertain the epidemiology of both viruses a questionnaire was used detailing the possible risk factors for transmission. These included history of previous blood transfusion; history of life time occurrence of multiple sexually transmitted diseases; history of heterosexual exposure to partners at risk (for example prostitutes); history involving the use of unsterilized blades; presence of scarification marks and tattooing; low socio-economic status (low annual income or unemployed): history of intravenous drug use and heterosexual activity. Anti-HCV and HBsAg were both assayed using different assay kits, based on the enzyme linked immuno absorbent assay (ELISA) tests from different manufacturers.

The sero-prevalence of anti-HCV was 14% and 29.3% for HBsAg. Anti-HCV positivity was significantly associated with a past history of blood transfusion and heterosexual exposure to partners at risk. The study also revealed a significant association between HBsAg positivity and all the risk factors.

The high prevalence rate for anti-HCV and HbsAg in accident and emergency patients increases the likelihood of further spread from patients to health care providers especially if adequate precautions are not observed.