Journal Article

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Carriage Markers Among Students at the University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon

Akono, Laurent, Serge, Assiene Oyong Damase, Gueguim, Cedric, Adiogo, Dieudonné, Flora, Minyemeck Marielle

2025

Overview

Cameroon, located in Central Africa, is characterized by a high endemicity of hepatitis B. National studies estimate the prevalence of HBs antigen carriage to range between 8% and 15% in the general population. Identified high-risk groups include adolescents and young adults, among whom university students represent a vulnerable population. The objective of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis B viral biomarkers among students at the University of Yaoundé II in Cameroon. We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study from February 20 to June 20, 2024. Samples were collected at the Soa campus of the University of Yaoundé II. Initial testing was performed using rapid diagnostic tests at the university, followed by ELISA (Fortress Diagnostics) at the blood bank of the Central Hospital of Yaoundé. The detection of anti-HBs, HBe antigen (HBeAg), anti-HBe, and anti-HBc was carried out using the Hightop HBV 5-in-1 rapid test. Data were processed and analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019 and SPSS Version 25. The chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and odds ratio calculations for comparing proportions and logistic regression were used to search for risk factors. The result was significant with a value less than 5%. A total of 250 students were tested. HBs antigen was positive in eight students (3.2%). Among these, anti-HBs and HBeAg were absent, while anti-HBe was positive in six out of eight (75.0%) and anti-HBc was positive in all eight cases (100%). Only two students (0.8%) had been vaccinated against hepatitis B. All eight HBsAg-positive students were in the chronic phase of hepatitis B infection. A history of blood transfusion and unprotected sexual intercourse was strongly associated with HBV infection. Vaccination coverage was extremely low, highlighting the need for targeted immunization programs in this population. Educational and awareness efforts regarding transmission routes and preventive measures must be strengthened.

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,Wiley
• Subject: Adolescent / Adolescents / Adult / Antigens / At risk populations / Biomarkers / Biomarkers - blood / Blood transfusion / Cameroon - epidemiology / Chronic infection / Colleges & universities / Consent / Cross-Sectional Studies / Disease transmission / Enzymes / Ethics / Female / Hepatitis / Hepatitis B / Hepatitis B - blood / Hepatitis B - epidemiology / Hepatitis B - immunology / Hepatitis B - virology / Hepatitis B Antibodies - blood / Hepatitis B e antigen / Hepatitis B surface antigen / Hepatitis B Surface Antigens - blood / Hepatitis B virus - immunology / Humans / Immunization / Immunoassay / Male / Marital status / Monoclonal antibodies / Pharmaceutical sciences / Reagents / Risk Factors / Risk groups / Sample size / Seroepidemiologic Studies / Serology / Sexual behavior / Sexual intercourse / Sociodemographics / Students / Students - statistics & numerical data / Universities / Vaccination / Vaccines / Young Adult / Young adults