Intra-familial transmission of Hepatitis B virus in a peri-urban community from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Despite global elimination targets set for 2030, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health challenge in low-income countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Limited evidence on the regional transmission pathways precludes progress towards HBV elimination. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, molecular characteristics, and transmission dynamics of HBV in the Lukelenge health district, a peri-urban area in central DRC.

Methods

We employed a two-tiered recruitment strategy: community member volunteers were enrolled during the first phase, and upon notification of HBV positivity in an index case, family contacts were subsequently recruited in the second phase. Participants were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HB

SUBMITTER: Cindibu Kalonji F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12302796 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature