Abstract
Premarital testing for genotypes, blood group, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is compulsory for marriage intending couples in some faith based organizations in South southern Nigeria. These tests are important for the prevention of genetic disorders and some infectious diseases. Objectives: This prospective study was designed to establish the infection rates of HBV, HIV and HCV among prospective spouses attending marriage counseling in churches in Calabar. Methods: The study ran from January 2010 to December 2014. Informed consent was obtained from the 240 intending couples. Data for demography and medical history were collected through oral interview. Sera from patients were tested for HBsAg with the rapid chromatographic immunoassay one step lateral flow kit (Acumen labs and diagnostic centre, Bangalore, India). Anti HCV was tested with one step lateral flow rapid chromatographic immunoassay (ABON Biopharm). Determine kits (Abbot, Japan) were used for screening subjects for HIV 1/2. Results: Out of the 240 subjects screened, 14(5.8%) were positive for HIV, HBsAg and HCV infection. All the subjects positive for HBV 8(3.3%) were HIV negative, while all the HIV positive subjects were HBV negative. There was no co-infection between HIV and HBV (χ2 = 1.7, p = 0.19). Infection rates peaked at age 26-35 years 10(71.4%) with 4.0% of females positive for HBV. Conclusion: Results from this study may provide some epidemiological evidence for policy making for mandatory premarital testing. A break in transmission of hepatitis B virus infection may occur as a result of vaccination of negative partners.
Key words: HBV, HIV, HCV, infections, Premarital screening