Prevalence of hepatitis B markers seropositivity in sickle cell (SCA) children in ABUTH Shika, Kaduna State

Background: The study was carried out to determine the scope and pattern of hepatitis B infection among patient with sickle cell disease presenting at ABUTH Shika. Aims and objectives. This research work was conducted to determine the seropositivity of HBV infection amongst SCA patients and also to determine the associated potential risk in the acquisition of the infection.Patients and method: In order to determine the pattern of HBV infection among children with SCA aged 6 months to 12 years and associated risk factors; a random selection of 146 children was made at the paediatric haematology clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika. For each SCA patient, an age-and sex- matched control with genotype AA presenting with minor ailments were selected from the paediatric outpatient of the hospital. The children were screened for various markers of hepatitis B virus using a spot test and ELISA test.Results: The prevalence rates of hepatitis B infection documented in the SCA and control groups were 24.66% and 28.77% respectively. The prevalence was highest in 9 - 12 year age group for both SCA patients and controls with prevalence of 42.86% and 42.11% respectively. None of the risk factors studied which included blood transfusions, parenteral injections, hospitalization, ulcers, tattooing, traditional circumcision, ear piercing, traditional scarification and contact with known hepatitis case were significantly associated with HBV infection in either the SCA or control group. There was also no association between frequency of hospitalizations, transfusions and people sleeping in the same room with HBV infection in either SCA patients or the control groups. The most frequent marker found among both the SCA and control group was anti-HBc.Conclusion: High prevalence of HBV infection was detected in both the subjects and controls. Children with SCA were not found to be at increased risk of contracting hepatitis B infection. It is recommended that all children should benefit from early vaccination.