The Sero-Prevalence Of Hepatitis C Virus (Hcv) Infection Among Prospective Blood Donors Ina Nigerian Tertiary Health Institution

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection with its associated sequelae is a disease of major public health importance worldwide. This study analyzed the results of Hepatitis-C screening among blood donors at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi over a 12 �month period (JanuaryDecember, 2008), with a view to establishing the prevalence rate in this area of the Middle Belt of Nigeria.Methods: Results of hepatitisC screening from the blood bank unit of the study Centre were reviewed for the twelve month period (Jan. � Dec. 2008). Screening for antiHCV was done using a commercial enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. (ELISA kit)Results: A total of 1,400 samples were screened for hepatitis C over the one year period. The overall seropositivity rate was found to be 5.4%Conclusion: HCV infection is common in Makurdi, a metropolitan city in the middle belt of Nigeria. Adequate screening of prospective blood donors and the institution of adequate public health measures is advocated in order to reduce the transmission of this virus.