Hepatitis B surface antigenemia in two rural communities in Enugu, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis B virus infection is endemic in Nigeria, yet few data exist about the extent of infection in rural communities.
Objective: To determine seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigenemia in two rural communities in Nigeria.
Methods: A 330-person survey for seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was carried out in two rural communities in Enugu State, Nigeria, in January, 2017. All study participants were screened for HBsAg using chromatographic immunoassay. Results: The mean age of participants was 57.2 ± 17.4 years, (range = 10-92 years) with 168 (50.9%) aged 60 years and above. The prevalence of HBsAg was found to be 2.1% with the 18-29 years age group having the highest prevalence.
Conclusion: There is need to increase hepatitis B surveillance in rural communities to reduce transmission and institute early treatment.