Nigerian butchers and hepatitis B virus infection

Various target groups have been identified in Nigeria for studying the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection; however there is no information on its prevalence among workers in slaughter houses. This study determined the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in Nigerian butchers at Ibadan, and comprised 360 healthy Nigerian adult subjects (180 butchers, 180 traders as controls) selected by multistage stratified sampling. A questionnaire was used to collect relevant information and included points about risk behaviour. ELISA was used to detect the hepatitis B surface antigen in the serum; the seroprevalence rate in butchers and controls was 9.4% and 3.3%, respectively (p<0.05). Risk behaviour was seen more commonly in butchers than in controls. The presence of hepatitis B surface antigen in the serum was not related to the duration of occupational exposure or the number of partners. In summary, butchers comprise a high-risk occupational group for exposure to hepatitis B virus infection. We conclude that routine screening for parenterally acquired infections in this group is thus necessary in order to identify those who will require treatment and immunisation, especially against hepatitis B virus infection.