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Asian Institute of Research, Journal Publication, Journal Academics, Education Journal, Asian Institute
Asian Institute of Research, Journal Publication, Journal Academics, Education Journal, Asian Institute

Journal of Health and Medical Sciences

ISSN 2622-7258

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open access

Published: 22 June 2023

Assessment of Immunity against Hepatitis B Virus among Children Aged 2-17 Years in Nnewi, Anambra State, South-East Nigeria: A Pilot Study

Shirley Nneka Chukwurah, Nonyelum Nnenna Jisieike-Onuigbo, Chinyere Ukamaka Onubogu, Stephen Okorafor Kalu, Chinyelu Uchenna Ufoaroh, Stanley Kenechukwu Onah, George Uchenna Eleje, Victor Ahoma Mbanuzuru, Ogochukwu Ifeanyi Ezejiofor, Chidiebele Malachy Ezeude, Chibuzor Ifeanyi Okpala, Christian Ejike Onah, Ifeyinwa Sussan Nweje, Onyeka Chukwudalu Ekwebene, Kenneth Chukwudi Eze, Ebele Francesca Ugochukwu, Christian Chibuzo Ibe

NAUTH, East Tennessee State University

journal of social and political sciences
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doi

10.31014/aior.1994.06.02.269

Pages: 63-71

Keywords: HBV Immunity, Children, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Nigeria is one of the hyper-endemic countries for hepatitis B with national prevalence rate of 11%. No study has been done in Nigeria to the best of authors’ knowledge to assess the level of immunity among children vaccinated against HBV. Objective: To assess prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen, determine the presence of antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) and determine the titre levels of anti-HBs among those who have anti-HBs. Design: This was a pilot and a cross-sectional study. Methods: Consecutive children aged between 2 and 17 years seen at the outpatient clinic of NAUTH, Nnewi, Nigeria were recruited. Questionnaire was interviewer-administered. Venous blood was collected from each participant, analyzed for HBV serological markers and anti-HBs titre. Results: A total of sixty children were recruited. There was equal male and female distribution. 36.7% were aged 10-14 years. One child did not receive HBV vaccine. There was no incidental finding of HbsAg positivity. 15% of respondents had their immunity assessed after completing vaccination. There was presence of antibodies to HBsAg in19 children, and the anti-HBs titre was protective in 78.9% of those who had antibodies. Conclusion: After 18 years of introduction of the HBV vaccine into the NPI and routine infant immunization against hepatitis B virus in Nigeria, this pilot study has shown immunity against hepatitis B is not usually assessed after immunization and a significant proportion of children who were adequately immunized are not adequately protected against HBV. A large-scale study would be desirable for confirmation.

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