Enzyme link Immunosorbent Assay-based Detection of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Correctional Facilities in Sokoto Metropolis, Sokoto State Nigeria
B. R. Alkali
Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Nigeria
B. I. Aisha
Department of Medical Microbiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
M. F. Useh
Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Nigeria
A. B. Shuaibu *
Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Nigeria
M. Bello
Department of Medical Microbiology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria
A. Firdausi
Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Nigeria
A. J. Okwori
Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2346, Sokoto, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
ELISA-Based detection of HBV infection in correctional facilities in Sokoto metropolis, Sokoto state Nigeria was carried out using a questionnaire survey to determine the associated risk factors of the disease and serological method using [Enzyme link immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)] to determine hepatitis B surface antigen (HBSAg) among inmates. Of the 180 participants from the two correctional facilities in Sokoto state (Sokoto central prison and Remand home) overall prevalence rate of (42.2%) was obtained. The distribution of HBV infection according to age was statistically significant, and the age groups of 21-25 and 36-40 years had the highest prevalence rates (61.3%). However higher prevalence was recorded among males (42.6%) than females (36.4%). Analysis of spatial distribution of prevalence of HBV infection showed that Remand home (juvenile detention centre) had the highest prevalence rate of (75%). It was concluded that hepatitis B virus infection was found to be prevalent in correctional facilities in Sokoto state in which duration of stay and multiple sexual partners were the main risk factors. Furthermore there is need for Nigerian government to establish a policy that would make general screening of all the inmates in correctional facilities for HBV infection and vaccinate them against the disease.
Keywords: Hepatits B virus, ELISA, Juvenlie detention center