Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and Listeriosis Co-Infection among Patients Attending Sickbay Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: A cross-sectional research study on the seroprevalence of hepatitis B and listeriosis co-infection among patients attending Sickbay Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria was carried out, with view to characterize, identify and to determine the antimicrobial sensitivity profile of Listeria monocytogenes isolated from the HBV seropositive patients.  Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Sickbay Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, between August 2015 and June 2016. Methodology: A total of 100 venous blood samples were collected from consenting patients presented to the study area suspected with hepatic disorders. The samples were centrifuged and the blood sera were obtained. The sera were qualitatively screened for HBsAg by immunochromatographic technique using rapid diagnostic device kit. Reactive sera for HBsAg were further confirmed by ELISA kits. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from the HBV seropositive samples by standard methods and identified using biochemical characterizations. Results: The results showed that the overall seroprevalence of hepatitis B was found to be 11 (11%) in the study area, with females and males accounting for 3 (8.6%) and 8 (12.3%) seroprevalences respectively.  The prevalence of hepatitis B — listeriosis co-infection was found to be 4 (36.4%). A statistical relationship (p= .56) was found between hepatitis B— listeriosis co-infection and the age of the patients. There is no significant difference between the prevalence of Hepatitis B — Listeriosis co-infection and the gender. All sex has equal chance of contacting the disease. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of 11% HBsAg obtained in this study signifies high endemicity of HBV infection in the study area. There is presence of mixed infections of hepatitis B and listeriosis in the study area. The Listeria monocytogenes isolated from HBV seropositive patients was found to be highly sensitive to Penicillin (100%) and Ampicillin (100%) but resistant to Chloramphenicol (0%), Ofloxacin (0%) and Gentamicin (0%).