Biomarker and Genetic Variation among Hepatitis B Virus Positive Patients Attending Selected Health Facilities in Bauchi Metropolis, Nigeria

Aim of the Study: The aim of this study is to determine biomarker and genetic variation among hepatitis B virus positive patients in Bauchi metropolis, Nigeria.

Study Design: This is a cross-sectional and laboratory-based study.

Place and Duration of the Study: The study involved patients attending two tertiary hospitals and one primary health care centre in Bauchi metropolis, from January 2024 to July 2024.

Methodology: A total of 200 samples were collected via vein from random participants, structured questionnaire and consent forms were issued to each participant for signing and data collection. The sample were screened for Hepatitis B surface antigen using one step rapid diagnostic test, the positive samples were further investigated for other hepatitis B virus biomarkers using Hepatitis B combo cassette.DNA of the positive samples were extracted and amplified using nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the product was run on Gel electrophoresis and the DNA bands were visualized using Gel documentation system.

Results: The overall prevalence rate of Hepatitis B virus infection according to this study was 9% (18), the rate is higher in males 55.6% (10) than females 44.4%(08) within the age range 21-30 (33.3%), followed by 27.2% and 5.6% for 41-50 and 51-60 years ranges. The risk factors analysis showed those that have infected family members have the highest prevalence 42.3% (11) followed by those that have the history of barbing tools sharing 38.4(10) and lowest was observed among vaccinated participants (3.8%). Among the other biomarkers detected, HBcAb has the highest rate 72.3% (13) of occurrence followed by 66.7% (12), 55% (10) and 5.5% (01) for HBeAb, HBsAb and HBeAg respectively. Genotype A frequency of appearance was the highest among the genotypes detected with prevalence rate 38.5%(05) followed by 30.8% (04) for both genotype E and B, while genotype C and D were not detected in this study. Mixed and Mono infections account for 50% (04) and 37.5% (03) respectively. The combinations of the mixed infection were ABE (25%), BE (12.5%), and AE (12.5%). Statistically, the biomarkers, genotypes and risk factors have no significant difference within their parameters.

Conclusion: The overall prevalence portrayed in this research was 9% mostly among male participants within the age range 21-30, the infection is less common among vaccinated participants.