Hepatitis B infection is highly prevalent among patients presenting with jaundice in Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Viral hepatitis is a major concern worldwide, with hepatitis A (HAV) and E (HEV) viruses showing sporadic outbreaks while hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses are associated with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The present study determined the proportion, geographic distribution and molecular characterization of hepatitis viruses among patients seeking medical services at hospitals throughout Kenya.

Methods

Patients presenting with jaundice at four selected hospitals were recruited (n = 389). Sera were tested for the presence of antibody to hepatitis viruses A through E, and HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). Nucleic acid from anti-HAV IgM antibody and HBsAg positive samples was extracted, amplified and sequenced.

Results

Chronic HBV i

SUBMITTER: Ochwoto M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4774020 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature