Seroprevalence patterns of viral hepatitis B, C, and E among internally displaced persons in Borno State, Nigeria

Objectives: Following the outbreak of hepatitis E in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Borno State in 2017, we assessed hepatitis B, C, and E biomarkers (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], anti-HBC, anti-hepatitis E virus [HEV] immunoglobulin [Ig] G, and anti-HEV IgM) among IDPs in three camps in Borno State, Nigeria, to determine seroprevalence rates in these understudied populations.

Methods: A total of 454 IDPs, including pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, were randomly selected, and their demographic, clinical, and epidemiological data were collected. Blood samples were tested for HBsAg and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) using rapid tests, anti-HEV IgM, and anti-HEV IgG using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The seroprevalences were 13.7% for HBsAg, 1.3% for anti-HCV, 41.9% for anti-HEV IgG, and 0% for anti-HEV IgM. There were differences between the camps depending on the displaced community. Common detection occurred in 0.2% for HBsAg/anti-HCV, 4.2% for HBsAg/anti-HEV IgG, and 0.7% for anti-HCV/anti-HEV IgG. In pregnant women, HBsAg/anti-HEV IgG co-detection rate was 28.6%, whereas HBsAg and anti-HEV IgG rates alone were 13.4% and 32.8%, respectively. Among breastfeeding mothers, 17.1%, 2.4%, and 36.6% were positive for HBsAg, anti-HCV, and anti-HEV IgG, respectively, whereas 2.2% of them were positive for both HBsAg and anti-HEV IgG.

Conclusions: The prevalence of viral hepatitis biomarkers among the IDPs studied was higher than those reported in national figures and differed according to camps and population subgroups. There is a need for improved surveillance and access to testing for viral hepatitis biomarkers for the purpose of improved disease prevention and control in these medically underserved populations.