Hepatitis B and C Viral Infections among Clinical Medical Students in Jos, North Central Nigeria

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The people most at risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by mucocutaneous exposure are healthcare and public safety workers who are exposed to blood and body fluids. Medical students who are being trained to practise within the healthcare environment are also at risk of contracting these viruses. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infection among clinical medical students in Jos and vaccinate those who were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seronegative. METHODS: We conducted a cross sectional study of clinical medical students. All clinical medical students of Bingham University were targeted. A structured questionnaire was administered to obtain demographic data on risk of exposure to HBV and HCV infections. Laboratory analysis of hepatitis virus antibodies from blood sample collected from each student was undertaken. The prevalence rate and test of association between variables were appropriately determined. RESULTS: Of a total of 116 students enrolled, 51(44%) were males and 65 (56%) were females. Six (5.2%) students were HBsAg seropositive, none was previously immunized against HBV infection, among them, four (3.5%) had detectable serum HBeAb levels. None of the students who previously had HBV vaccination was seropositive for HBsAg. Two (1.7%) students had detectable serum anti-HCV, one from each gender. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the prevalence rates of HBV and HCV infections are relatively low among the clinical medical students. All HBsAg seronegative students should be offered HBV vaccine. BJM 2017; 1(1): 19–22.