Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Some Residents of Wukari Metropolis, Nigeria

Background and Objective: Hepatitis B is a contagious disease that affects the liver, caused by Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). It poses a significant health risk to many people, as it can result in chronic infection and individuals affected can be at a high risk of death from liver cancer or cirrhosis. This study investigated the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among some Wukari Metropolis, Nigeria residents. Materials and Methods: This investigative research study used 60 adult residents of Wukari Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria comprising 30 males and 30 females. The selected individuals who volunteered were all adults. Detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) was carried out on the individuals using a rapid diagnostic HBsAg test strip. Results: The result of the study showed there was a negative test result for HBsAg in 26 males and 27 females, while there was a positive test result for HBsAg in 4 males and 3 females among the volunteered residents of Wukari Metropolis, Taraba State, Nigeria. Seven out of the 60 residents of Wukari Metropolis evaluated tested positive for HBsAg, while 53 residents tested negative for HBsAg. About 13.33% of male residents tested had HBV infection, while 10% of the female residents tested had HBV infection. About 11.67% of the total population tested had HBV infection. Conclusion: This study concluded that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection among Wukari Metropolis, Nigeria residents could be about 11.67%.