• Uchenna C Okonkwo, Henry C Okpara, Kenneth Inaku, Tony M Aluka, Evaristus S Chukwudike, Yeonun Ogarekpe, Emin J Emin, Osim Hodo, and Akaninyene A Otu.
• Gastroenterology/Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine.
• Afr Health Sci. 2022 Mar 1; 22 (1): 504-510.

BackgroundHepatitis D virus (HDV) can cause a chronic infection in the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen and contribute to the burden of chronic liver disease especially in regions where chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic.AimTo determine the prevalence and risk factors of HDV among asymptomatic carriers of HBsAg in Cross River State, Nigeria.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among apparently healthy adults resident in Cross River State, Nigeria. A structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demograhic data and risk factors for HBV/HDV infection. Participants blood samples were screened for HBsAg. Samples that were HBsAg positive were further screened for anti-HDVIgM. Statistical analysis was performed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 20.ResultsA total of 90 HBsAg positive samples were assayed. The prevalence of anti-HDV IgM was 5.6% (95% CI 1.1-10.1). The HDV positive subjects were mostly females (80%), reported family size of >5 members (80%), had female circumcision (75%) and took injections from Non-certified health care practitioners (NCHCPs). None of the assessed risk factors were significantly associated with HDV infection (p >0.05).ConclusionHepatitis D virus is moderately prevalent amongst asymptomatic HBsAg carriers in Cross River State, Nigeria.© 2022 Okonkwo UC et al.

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