Biomedical Research

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is now recognized as the most common viral infection causing chronic liver disease in human. So far, the chronic hepatitis C virus infection in many individuals is asymptomatic and the prevalence of the antibodies to this virus among blood donors in this part of the world is not well established. This study addressed the prevalence of the antibodies to Hepatitis C Virus (anti-HCV) in 1280 blood donors at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu – a southeastern state of Nigeria. The screening of the anti-HCV was by immunochromatographic method. Our results showed that 97 (7.6%) of the blood donors were positive for the anti-HCV. This shows a high prevalence of HCV infection among blood donors in this region when compared with those established for Western countries. There is need therefore for public interventions through mandatory screening of blood and blood products, destruction of disposable nee-dles, adequate sterilization of reusable materials and promotion of health education on HCV in-fection and its prevention.

Author(s): Chukwurah E.F., Ogbodo S.O and Obi G.O.
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