Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in a Nigerian Outpatient Setting: A Retrospective Study

Background: The chronicity and rising asymptomatic population with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious health concern which has overtime impeded true diagnosis, the actual prevalence of infection, early onset of clinical management and the actualization of the 2030 World Health Organization (WHO) Hepatitis C eradication goals particularly in middle and low income countries.

Aim: This study sought to determine the prevalence of HCV infection among asymptomatic participants in the general outpatient unit of a secondary health care facility in Nigeria.

Study Design: A longitudinal study.

Place and Duration of Study: Laboratory Department, St Mary’s Catholic General Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, between November 2017 and August 2018.

Materials and Methods This study consecutively enrolled 913 patients who visited the hospital between November 2017 and August 2018 after obtaining informed consent. Laboratory diagnosis was by serological detection of anti-HCV antibodies.

Results: Only ten participants (1.1%) within the study tested positive to HCV infection, the majority of infection in the male gender (n=7). The association between gender and HCV infection was statistically significant (x2=6.468; p=0.011). The highest cases of infection were reported among individuals within the middle age bracket i.e. 31-50 years. The infection was higher among those who had formal education and multiple sexual partners.

Conclusion: The study concluded that HCV is a silently growing viral infection that requires immediate attention of the health care and prevention policy makers.