Seroprevalence of HBsAg among Fulani Nomads in Toro, North-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study aimed at studying the prevalence of HBsAg among Fulani nomads in Toro,Nigeria. Patients (n=182) were included in this study. Epidemiological and clinical data were obtained. Samples were collected and processed using a standard laboratory procedure. HBV antigen was determined using a Skytec Rapid Diagnostic Kits. the age of the subjects ranged 18-55 years (mean age= 33years). Samples were obtained from asymptomatic subjects from November 2011 to June 2012.The gender-specific seroprevalence was found to be in the ratio of about 2:1 male-female. Infection rate was found to be higher in those between 25 and 29 years (8.2%) followed by those the age group 30-37 years (6.0%). The seroprevalence of HBV infection in this study was therefore found to be gender specific (P<0.05). This study revealed a considerably high level of infection rates among the Fulanis in Toro North-Eastern Nigeria. It is an indication of poor health education among the study group and this call for stringent measures to tackle the spread of the disease. Massive health education and immunization campaign will assist in curving the trend of the infection thereby reducing the long-term burden of the disease.