Sero – prevalence of Human Immunodeficency Virus (HIV) infection among antenatal clinic attendees in St Luke's Hospital, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was estimated among pregnant women attending clinic at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anua – Uyo in Akwa Ibom State. A total of 281 samples were tested serologically by the serial algorithm method using three standard kits namely Abbott Determine HIV1/2, the Chembio HIV1/2 STATPAK assay and the Trinity Biotech UniGold HIV tests. Results indicated that 24(12.1%) were infected with HIV. The percentage prevalence by educational status was: women with no formal education 37.5%; those with secondary education, 11.3% and women with tertiary education 5.7%. Estimates of HIV prevalence by age indicated that the age range of 15-29 was the most affected with a prevalence of 37.8%, followed by 30-40 with a prevalence of 17.7% and 41- 49 with O%. HIV prevalence by parity showed 15.5% in the first pregnancy, 8.5% in the second and 10.5% in those with two or more pregnancies. Analysis also revealed that the unmarried and unemployed were more affected than the married and employed. It is evident that HIV infection prevailed most in the least educated, most tender in age, unmarried and unemployed. Therefore, periodic survey and targeted intervention programmes should be harnessed to help control and mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS among pregnant women.KEY WORDS: HIV, sero- prevalence, Antenatal attendee

Hepatitis C antibodies in asymptomatic first-time blood donors in The Gambia: prevalence and risk factors

This study evaluates the seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C (HCV) antibodies in asymptomatic first-time blood donors in The Gambia. The study population includes 460 blood donors (age range: 18-40 years [mean: 27.5]) who attended the Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital from July to December 2002. Antibodies to hepatitis C are determined using and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test system. The prevalence of hepatitis C found in this study was 1.1% (95% CI, 0.16-1.12). Previous history of sexually transmitted disease, married men in polygamous relationships, and hospital or clinic-based workers were determined to be at risk of acquiring hepatitis C. The study shows that seroprevalence of hepatitis C in The Gambia is low compared to other countries in the region