Viral Hepatitis B: Seroprevalence and Genetic Diversity in Blood Donors North of Congo

摘要

Introduction: Viral hepatitis B is the most formidable and confusing of all viral hepatitis, given its cirrhogenic and carcinogenic potential. The objective of the study is to characterize the molecular profile of hepatitis virus B in northern Congo. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study that was carried out between January and September 2014, that is 9 months, in the establishments of the National Center for Blood Transfusion (CNTS) of the 4 departments of the north of the Congo. Epidemiological, serological and molecular variables (HBsAg, HBV DNA, genotypes and subtypes) were studied. The HBs antigen was searched by rapid test and confirmed by ELISA. For all positive donors, conventional and specific gene extraction and amplification techniques were performed for the identification of genotypes and subtypes from the serum. Results: A total of 892 donors were included. The average age was 35.36 ± 12.36 years with extremes ranging from 18 to 65 years old. The sex ratio (M/F) was 3.3. The prevalence of HBV was 8.6%. The viral DNA of HBV was amplified in 83.1%. Four genotypes were found: E (40.6%), A (3.1%), B (3.1%) and C (1.6%). Two cases of co-infection were identified: E/A (15.6%) and B/C (1.6%). Subgenotypes A1, B2 and C1 were highlighted. Conclusion: The prevalence of HBV is high, HBV infection remains a major public health problem for blood donors in Congo. Genotypes E, A, B, C as well as subtypes A1, B2, C1 have been identified in northern Congo.