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Publication Details
AFRICAN RESEARCH NEXUS
SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON AFRICAN RESEARCH
medicine
Cross-sectional study of hepatitis B virus infection in rural communities, Central African Republic
BMC Infectious Diseases, Volume 13, No. 1, Article 286, Year 2013
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Description
Background: As most data on hepatitis in resource-poor countries relate to urban communities, surveys in the rural environment are necessary to determine the 'true' prevalence of these viral infections. We undertook a survey to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in an apparently healthy rural population in the Central African Republic (CAR).Methods: The cross-sectional study was based on dried blood spots (DBS) from 273 people recruited in four prefectures (Lobaye, Nana-Mambéré, Ouham and Ouaka). Eluates from DBS were tested with commercial ELISA kits to detect markers of HBV infection. DBS were directly used for DNA extraction, followed by PCR and genotyping based on preS/S gene sequences.Results: The overall prevalence of HBc antibodies was 27.1% (Lobaye 29%, Nana-Mambéré 28%, Ouaka 29% and Ouham 23%) and that of HBsAg was 10.6% (Lobaye 9%, Nana-Mambéré 9%, Ouaka 19% and Ouham 8%), with no statistically significant difference among the surveyed communities. Nineteen sequences obtained from 74 anti-HBc-positive patients all belonged to genotype E. Risk factor analysis of HBV infection pointed to sexual transmission of the virus.Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV is high in rural communities in the CAR and comparable to that observed in urban areas. In addition, genotype E is prevalent in these areas. These findings underline the importance of instituting a programme of active HBV surveillance and vaccination of the population. © 2013 Komas et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
Authors & Co-Authors
Komas, Narcisse Patrice Joseph
Central African Republic, Bangui
Institut Pasteur de Bangui
Vickos, Ulrich
Central African Republic, Bangui
Institut Pasteur de Bangui
Hübschen, Judith M.
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Laboratoire National de Sante Luxembourg
Béré, Aubin
Central African Republic, Bangui
Institut Pasteur de Bangui
Manirakiza, Alexandre
Central African Republic, Bangui
Institut Pasteur de Bangui
Muller, Claude P.
Luxembourg, Luxembourg
Laboratoire National de Sante Luxembourg
Le Faou, Alain E.
Central African Republic, Bangui
Institut Pasteur de Bangui
France, Vandoeouvre-les-nancy
Cibles Thérapeutiques, Formulation et Expertise Préclinique du Médicament
Statistics
Citations: 36
Authors: 7
Affiliations: 3
Identifiers
Doi:
10.1186/1471-2334-13-286
e-ISSN:
14712334
Research Areas
Genetics And Genomics
Infectious Diseases
Sexual And Reproductive Health
Study Design
Cross Sectional Study
Study Approach
Quantitative
Study Locations
Central African Republic