Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A Infection among Young Adults in Ilorin

Abstract

Hepatitis A infection is predominantly caused by Hepatitis A virus which is transmitted by fecal-oral route through contaminated food or drinks. The virus’s ability to cause hepatitis poses as a major hazard to public health. This study was done to discover the widespread presence of hepatitis A among young adults in Ilorin, Kwara State. A Cross sectional sampling technique was employed to select the study population. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to acquire demographic information of the cohorts. Four hundred (400) young adults residing in Ilorin were the participants in the study. Five mls of venous blood sample were obtained from each of the participants through venipuncture technique. The blood samples were separated and the serum used for qualitative analysis of hepatitis A virus IgG using EIA and indirect ELISA technique (Abbexa Ltd, UK). Out of the four hundred (400) healthy young adult subjects, an overall distribution of 1.5% IgG Hepatitis A were found among participants in Ilorin. Fulminant stooling, location, gender, educational level, age and occupation were  risk factors for acquiring Hepatitis A infection. There was significant difference between Hepatitis A infection and Fulminant stooling (p<0.05). Previous history of blood transfusion was not statistically associated as a potential risk factor for Hepatitis A infection among Inhabitants in Ilorin. High prevalence of anti-hepatitis A virus IgG levels of the antibody was reported among young adult in this study. Based on the findings of this study, screening of hepatitis A virus for blood transfusion and food vendors, personal hygiene are highly advocated.