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American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology
ISSN (Print): 2328-4056 ISSN (Online): 2328-4064 Website: https://www.sciepub.com/journal/ajidm Editor-in-chief: Maysaa El Sayed Zaki
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American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. 2018, 6(1), 16-25
DOI: 10.12691/ajidm-6-1-3
Open AccessArticle

Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Blood Donors at Two Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria: Implications for Blood Transfusion

Osuji A1, , Agbakoba N. R.2, Ifeanyichukwu M. O.2 and Tatfeng M3

1Microbiology and Immunology Department, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria

2Medical Laboratory Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi, Campus, Anambra State, Nigeria

3Medical Laboratory Science Department, Niger Delta University, Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Pub. Date: March 13, 2018
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Cite this paper:
Osuji A, Agbakoba N. R., Ifeanyichukwu M. O. and Tatfeng M. Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection among Blood Donors at Two Teaching Hospitals in Nigeria: Implications for Blood Transfusion. American Journal of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology. 2018; 6(1):16-25. doi: 10.12691/ajidm-6-1-3

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Occult Hepatitis B virus infection (OBI), characterized by presence of HBV DNA in the absence of HBsAg in individuals has become a challenge to blood safety. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence rate, HBV serologic markers, viral load and genotypes of occult Hepatitis B Virus infection among blood donors attending Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital and University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Abuja, Nigeria. Materials/Methods: Sera from 212 healthy blood donors (108 and 104 from UATH and NAUTH respectively) were retested for HBsAg, HIV, Syphilis antibodies and anti-HCV using 4th generation Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). One hundred samples (50 samples from each study site) that were seronegative were examined for the presence of HBV-DNA by conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Viral load was determined on some positive samples by Real Time PCR. Gene sequencing was done to determine HBV genotypes. HBV serological markers prevalence and pattern was determined using ELISA format and HBV 5 Panel assay. Results: Of the 100 seronegative (HBV, HCV, HIV and Syphilis) samples, 14 (14%) were confirmed as OBI. Of the 14 OBI samples, 12 (85.7%) were seropositive for HBV serologic markers and among these, 7 (58.3%) were positive for anti-HBs, 3 (25%) positive for anti-HBc, and 2 (16.7%) positive for both HBsAb and HBcAb (P<0.0001). Three (21.4%) out 14 OBI blood donors were positive for anti-HBc IgM p<0.05. The mean viral load of OBI blood donors was <100 IU/mL. DNA sequencing and Phylogenetic analysis showed that all OBI isolates belong to Genotype E. Conclusion/Recommendations: There is a high prevalence of OBI among blood donors in these two Teaching Hospitals. This study therefore recommends that blood donors in these Hospitals in particular and Nigeria in general be screened for OBI by Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) and HBV serologic markers.

Keywords:
hepatitis B Virus OBI blood donors HBV Markers NAT

Creative CommonsThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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