Affiliations: Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Federal
Medical Centre P.M.B. 004, Keffi, Nasarawa State, Nigeria | Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University
of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria
Note: [] Correspondence: S.K. Ernest, Department of Paediatrics and Child
Health, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
E-mail: kolade.ernest@gmail.com
Abstract: Viral hepatitis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in
Sub-Saharan Africa. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major disease of
serious public health concerns commonly encountered in developing countries. It
remains an important cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer worldwide.
Presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the blood indicates an
infection with HBV. Patients with Sickle cell anemia (SCA), a common
hematological disorder in Nigeria, may have complications that require blood
transfusion thus exposing them to the risk. This study therefore determined the
prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen among transfused children with Sickle
Cell Anemia (SCA) in Ilorin. One hundred and ten transfused SCA children aged 6
months to 14 years with age matched controls were recruited consecutively over
a one year period, from February 2008 to January 2009. Hepatitis B surface
antigen screening was done using a second generation ELISA method. The overall
prevalence was 17.7%. There was statistically significant difference in the
HBsAg positivity among transfused (23.6%) when compared to non transfused SCA
children (11.8%) (p=0.03). The risk of HBV infection increased with increase in
number of transfusion. More subjects in the lower social class were positive
than their control counterparts (p=0.07). Transfused SCA patients belong to a
high risk group for hepatitis B virus infection compared to the non-transfused
population. The risk of HBV infection acquisition increased with higher number
of transfusions and the high prevalence of HBsAg among children with SCA in
Ilorin is related to blood transfusion. It is therefore recommended that
adequate screening be done always before transfusion is undertaken.
Keywords: Hepatitis B virus, sickle cell anemia, blood transfusion
