HBV and HCV Seroprevalence and the Predominant HCV Genotypes in a Hospital Setting in Cameroon

Infectious diseases are a substantial threat to global health. Hepatitis viral infections are life threatening infections, responsible for most liver cirrhosis and cancers. In order to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections; as well as the HCV genotypes of the collected isolates, a study was conducted at a hospital setting in Cameroon. Enzyme immunoassays were used for HBV and HCV screening tests; HCV genotypes and subtypes were determined using standard molecular biology and genomic techniques that involved RT-PCR, gene cloning, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics tools. The results showed that 14.15% of the study populations were screened HBV positive; whereas 24.82% were diagnosed HCV positive. The seroprevalence was higher in men: 12.75% and 16.1% respectively for HBV and HCV infections. The majority of HBV infected were younger, whereas HCV infected people were older. HCV genotypes 1 and 4 were identified.These findings are useful for policy making in Cameroon. Furthermore, the HCV clones generated in the present study might constitute useful and representative molecular tools for vaccine and drug development.