Prevalence of Hepatitis C at a Primary Hospital in the Western Region of Ghana

Kwamena Kwentsir Daniels^1, , Prince Kenneth Homiah¹, Bernice Ameyaw¹, Ebenezer Mensah Turkson¹, Valerie Asare-Baffour¹, Dr George T. Tidakabi², Dr Ishmael Yamoah³, Esthella Shieley Ashitey¹, Eunice Ama Kwofie¹, Michael Korabo¹, Benjamin Oppong Nyantakyi¹ and Samuel Bekoe¹

¹Laboratory, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Takoradi, Ghana

²Administration, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Takoradi, Ghana

³Medical Practioner, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Takoradi, Ghana

Cite this paper:
Kwamena Kwentsir Daniels, Prince Kenneth Homiah, Bernice Ameyaw, Ebenezer Mensah Turkson, Valerie Asare-Baffour, Dr George T. Tidakabi, Dr Ishmael Yamoah, Esthella Shieley Ashitey, Eunice Ama Kwofie, Michael Korabo, Benjamin Oppong Nyantakyi and Samuel Bekoe. Prevalence of Hepatitis C at a Primary Hospital in the Western Region of Ghana. American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. 2023; 11(1):8-12. doi: 10.12691/ajidm-11-1-2

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C infection can often be detected by antibodies to the hepatitis C virus. HCV infection frequently goes untreated since it is asymptomatic for decades before symptoms appear as a result of severe liver damage. This study will investigate the prevalence of HCV in the Western region, specifically the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. The research sought to improve the knowledge gap by providing data on the prevalence rates of HCV. Methods: 980 samples collected from January to April 2022 were subjected to a retrospective analysis. The HCV serologic test was performed using the one-step immune-chromatographic test kit. Age-related data and the results of all serologic tests for HCV were recorded and evaluated during analysis. Results: A total number of 980 samples were analyzed in this study. Out of which 91.3% (n=895) were seronegative and the remaining 8.7% (n=85) were seropositive. Seropositivity was mainly found significantly among the 35-44, <15, and 24-34-year age groups with 2.7%, 1.9%, and 1.7% positivity rates respectively Age-specific prevalence rates were significantly high among the 35-44 and ≥55-year age groups with positivity rates of 13.8% and 8.3%. Also, the age-specific prevalence was high among the <15, 25-34, and 15-24-year age groups with positivity rates of 7.6%, 7.4%, and 7.3% respectively. Conclusion: This study recorded a high prevalence rate of HCV seropositivity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in the Western region to have considered HCV prevalence. The findings emphasize the necessity for quick public health measures to lower infection rates. These must target screening of high-risk groups, education campaigns about HCV transmission patterns, and the provision of treatment for those who are infected.

Keywords:
Hepatitis C Seropositivity prevalence

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