Bibliographic Details
| Title: |
Assessment of Immunity against Hepatitis B Virus among Children Aged 2-17 Years in Nnewi, Anambra State, South-East Nigeria: A Pilot Study. |
| Authors: |
Chukwurah, Shirley Nneka, Jisieike-Onuigbo, Nonyelum Nnenna, Onubogu, Chinyere Ukamaka, Kalu, Stephen Okorafor, Ufoaroh, Chinyelu Uchenna, Onah, Stanley Kenechukwu, Eleje, George Uchenna, Mbanuzuru, Victor Ahoma, Ezejiofor, Ogochukwu Ifeanyi, Ezeude, Chidiebele Malachy, Okpala, Chibuzor Ifeanyi, Onah, Christian Ejike, Nweje, Ifeyinwa Sussan, Ekwebene, Onyeka Chukwudalu, Eze, Kenneth Chukwudi, Ugochukwu, Ebele Francesca, Ibe, Christian Chibuzo |
| Source: |
Journal of Health & Medical Sciences; Jun2023, Vol. 6 Issue 2, p63-71, 9p |
| Subject Terms: |
HEPATITIS B virus, HEPATITIS associated antigen, DISEASE prevalence, PILOT projects, VACCINATION of children |
| Geographic Terms: |
NIGERIA |
| Abstract: |
Background: Nigeria is one of the hyper-endemic countries for hepatitis B with national prevalence rate of 11%. No study has been done in Nigeria to the best of authors' knowledge to assess the level of immunity among children vaccinated against HBV. Objective: To assess prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen, determine the presence of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and determine the titre levels of anti-HBs among those who have anti-HBs. Design: This was a pilot and a cross-sectional study. Methods: Consecutive children aged between 2 and 17 years seen at the outpatient clinic of NAUTH, Nnewi, Nigeria were recruited. Questionnaire was interviewer-administered. Venous blood was collected from each participant, analyzed for HBV serological markers and anti-HBs titre. Results: A total of sixty children were recruited. There was equal male and female distribution. 36.7% were aged 10-14 years. One child did not receive HBV vaccine. There was no incidental finding of HbsAg positivity. 15% of respondents had their immunity assessed after completing vaccination. There was presence of antibodies to HBsAg in19 children, and the anti-HBs titre was protective in 78.9% of those who had antibodies. Conclusion: After 18 years of introduction of the HBV vaccine into the NPI and routine infant immunization against hepatitis B virus in Nigeria, this pilot study has shown immunity against hepatitis B is not usually assessed after immunization and a significant proportion of children who were adequately immunized are not adequately protected against HBV. A large-scale study would be desirable for confirmation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: |
Complementary Index |
