[Serological markers of hepatitis B virus in hospitalized patients (Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine Service of the University Hospital Center of Brazzaville – Congo )]

The prevalence of serum markers of the hepatitis B virus was studied in 139 patients, 88 men and 51 women, at the Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine Department at the University Hospital in Brazzaville (Congo). The findings show that 125 individuals (89%), 79 men and 46 women, show signs of infection. Only 14 patients, 9 men and 5 women, show no hepatitis B virus markers. 64 individuals (46%) are carriers of Ag HBS, and among these, 23 (35.9%) are carriers of Ag HBe. Ac anti HBC was found 116 times (83.4%): 12 times by itself, and 16 times in association with Ac anti HBS. 43 individuals (30.9 %) are carriers of Ac anti HBS. Such high frequency of Ac anti HBS, whether or not accompanied by Ac anti HBC, argues in favor of the age of the infection. The study points out the high frequency of hepatitis B virus markers (89.8 %) compared with blood donors (7 to 9 %). This should incite government officials to set up some preventive procedures.