Prevalence of HBsAg among Patients in Consultation at Damakhanyah Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment Centre, Kindia, Republic of Guinea

Abstract

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an enveloped DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family. It is responsible for one of the most serious infectious diseases of our time. The aim of this study was to assess HBsAg carriage among patients attending the Damakhanyah Tuberculosis Diagnosis and Treatment Centre. This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted over three months, from 1 December 2023 to 29 February 2024. During this survey, a total of 225 samples were analysed using the immunochromatographic method (lateral flow test), of which 25 were positive (11.11%). The 21–30-year age group was the most affected (4.89%). Among the socio-occupational categories, housewives had the highest prevalence (3.11%). Women had a higher HBsAg positivity rate (5.78%) than men (5.33%). In terms of marital status, married people had the highest prevalence of HBsAg carriage at 8.00%, followed by single people at 2.67%, whilst residents of Damakhanyah had the highest prevalence by place of residence (2.22%). Hepatitis B is a highly contagious infection that can cause serious liver complications. Therefore, a better understanding of the various modes of transmission of the virus, together with early diagnosis and appropriate medical management of infected individuals, could reduce transmission and complications.