HEPATITIS-B VIRUS-INFECTION AMONG BLOOD-DONORS AND PREGNANT-WOMEN IN MAIDUGURI, NIGERIA

Hepatitis due to hepatitis B virus (HBV), and sequelae such as hepatoc ellular carcinoma (HCC) are very common in the Maiduguri area of Niger ia. In a serological survey of 287 blood donors (all males) and 224 pr egnant women, were positive of HBsAg. For HBeAg the prevalence rates w ere 6.64% and 1.39% respectively. These findings make it imperative th at all blood donations and pregnant women be screened for HBsAg. All p ositive blood units should be discarded and all children born to posit ive women be vaccinated against hepatitis B, preferably during the fir st year of life. In addition, a more extensive programme against hepat itis B needs to be undertaken. It is suggested that HBV vaccination be included in the expanded programme of immunization, so that all child ren, irrespective of the serological status of their mothers, will be vaccinated against hepatitis B.