Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis D Antibody Positivity among Inmates of Jos Correctional Centre, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis D virus (HDV) share transmission pathways, and ongoing HDV replication requires HBV surface antigen. Evidence from correctional facilities in Nigeria remains limited. This study assessed hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HDV antibody positivity among inmates of Jos Correctional Centre. Methods: In a cross-sectional serological survey, plasma samples from 235 incarcerated participants was tested for HBsAg using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HBsAg-reactive samples were subsequently tested for anti-HDV antibodies by ELISA. Descriptive frequencies and Wilson 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated; Fisher’s exact test was used for selected sex- and exposure-stratified HBsAg comparisons. Results: HBsAg was detected in 43 of 235 participants (18.3%; 95% CI: 13.9–23.7%). Five of the 43 HBsAg-positive participants were anti-HDV positive (11.6%; 95% CI: 5.1–24.5%). HBsAg positivity was 42/227 (18.5%) among men and 1/8 (12.5%) among women (Fisher’s exact p = 1.00). Anti-HDV positivity occurred in five men and no women; only one HBsAg-positive woman was screened for anti-HDV. Small subgroup counts precluded reliable risk-factor inference. Conclusion: HBsAg and anti-HDV antibody positivity were observed in this correctional population. The findings support access to HBV screening, vaccination of susceptible individuals, HDV testing after HBsAg detection, and linkage to clinical assessment. Anti-HDV positivity alone does not establish active HDV infection.