WINDOW SCREENING OF HEPATITIS B VIRUS (HBc-IgM) INFECTION IN HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN NEGATIVE BLOOD DONORS IN NIGERIA
*Agbesor Innocent Nwouzuke and Amala Smart Enoch
ABSTRACT
Background: Blood transfusion associated hepatitis B virus (TAHBV) infections continues to create major problems despite mandatory screening for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). This is because HBsAg is not detected during window period of the infection. Objective: The present study was designed to determine the prevalence of HBc-IgM antibody and its relationship with the risk factors associated with liver damages in apparently healthy blood donors in Abuja. Methods: A total of 103 blood donors were screened for the presences of HBsAg, HBeAg, HBsAb, HBeAb and HBc-IgM. Results: The prevalence of HBsAg, HBeAg, HBsAb, HBeAb and HBcAb were found to be 18(17.5%), 2(1.9%), 18(17.5%), 25(24.3%) and 9(10.6%) respectively. The prevalence of HBc-IgM marker is found to be independent of the risk factors such as alcohol and cigarette smoking at p<0.05. Statistically, there was significant relationship between the prevalence of HBc-IgM, religion and blood donation at p<0.05. Conclusion: Therefore, this study raises serious concerns about the safety of blood supply despite mandatory screening for HBsAg in blood donors.
Keywords: Window period, HBc-IgM antibody, blood donors, alcohol, cigarette smoking.
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