Elevated serum ß2-microglobulin in individuals coinfected with hepatitis B and hepatitis D virus in a rural settings in Southwest Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: Coinfection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with hepatitis D virus (HDV) has being reported to increase severity of progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis (LC). Beta microglobulin (2ßM) which is present on the surfaces of blood cells in acceptable levels is a tumor marker which may become elevated in disease conditions. This study hence observed the prevalence of HBV and HDV coinfection in a rural population and their 2ßM concentration. RESULTS: Of the 368 samples, 66 (17.9%) were positive to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and 33 (50%) were coinfected with HDV, 8 (2.1%) were monoinfected with HDV. 2ßM concentration increased beyond the normal level in individuals coinfected with HBV and HDV as compared with the monoinfected individuals. Coinfection resulted in the increased concentration of 2ßM in HBV and HDV coinfection and the likelihood of progression to HCC and LC may not be ruled out. Monoinfection with HDV also had high 2ßM concentration but this is due to having being infected with a non-detected HBV or chronic infection in which HBV is clearing.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity and hepatitis B surface antigenemia (HBSAG) among blood donors in Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis B virus are blood borne pathogens that can be transmitted through blood transfusion and could pose a huge problem in areas where mechanisms of ensuring blood safety are suspect. This study became necessary in a population where most of the blood for transfusion is from commercial blood donors. METHOD: A total of 130 donors comprising 120 commercial donors and 10 voluntary donors were tested for antibodies to human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B surface antigen in Benin city using Immunocomb HIV - 1 and 2 Biospot kit and Quimica Clinica Aplicada direct latex agglutination method respectively. RESULTS: Thirteen (10%) samples were HIV seropositive and 7(5.8%) were HBsAg positive. The age bracket 18 - 25years had the highest numbers of donors and also had the highest number of HBsAg positive cases (7.8%) while the age group 29 - 38years had highest number of HIV seropositive cases. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of HIV antibodies and Hepatitis B surface antigen was found among commercial blood donors. Appropriate and compulsory screening of blood donors using sensitive methods, must be ensured to prevent post transfusion hepatitis and HIV.