IOSR Journal of Pharmacy and Biological Sciences (IOSR-JPBS) e-ISSN: 2278-3008, p-ISSN:2319-7676. Volume 10, Issue 3 Ver. IV (May - Jun. 2015), PP 89-91 www.iosrjournals.org DOI: 10.9790/3008-10348991 www.iosrjournals.org 89 | Page Sero-Epidemiology of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Intendi ng Blood Donors in Ogbomoso, South West Nigeria Adeniyi N.A 1 *, Zakariyahu T.O 1 , Shittu M.O 2 , Akinfenwa J.O 1 , Atiba A.B 3 1 ( Department of Medical Laboratory Services, Haematology and Blood Transfusion Services Unit, Ladoke Akint ola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo state) 2( Department of Medical Laboratory Services, Chemical Pathology and Immunology Unit, Ladoke Akintola Uni versity of Technology Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo state) 3 (Department of Medical Laboratory Services, Oyo State Hospital, Ogbomoso) Abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a viral disease, is of great concern to health community due to its adverse effect on the liver of infected individual. This is a retrospective study that was designed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B infection among intending blood donors in Ogbomoso. Paucity of data as regards pre valence of HBV among blood donors in Ogbomoso necessitated this study. A total number of two thousand three hundred and twenty nine (2329) blood donors were recruited within the period of two years (2012-2013) for thi s study. Out of eight hundred and fifty seven (857) prospective donors recruited in year 2012, ninety eight (98) were tested positive to HBsAg giving a prevalence rate of 11.4% while one hundred and sixty three (163) donors were tested positive. Among one thousand four hundred and seventy two (1472) prospective donors recruited in year 2013, one hundred and sixty three (163) were tested positive, giving a prevalence rate of 11.1%. Prevalen ce rate in respect to age group was found to be higher in age group 28-37 in both years, and in term of sex, mal es have higher prevalence rate than females. The prevalence of 11.4% and 11.1% for HBV in both 2012 and 20 13 respectively within the study population confirmed the high endemicity of the studied area. Keywords: Blood donors, HBsAg, Ogbomoso, Seroepidemiology. I. Introduction Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a double stranded DNA virus belonging to Hepadnaviridae family. Its major health significance is associated with gradual damage to the liver cells thereby reducing the functional capacity of liver [1]. Studies so far have shown that about two billion people have been infected with HBV and three hun dred and fifty million are HBV carriers in the world [2]. Drostter et al. 2004 and Mc Mahon 2008 reported that, almost a million people die of HBV associated l iver diseases yearly [3,4]. The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection vary from one continent to another wit h Africa and Asia continent having higher prevalence rate of 8.0% while Southern and Eastern Europe have inte rmediate prevalence rate of 2-7%. Western Europe, North America and Australia have low prevalence rate of 2. 0% [5]. Report from Emechebe et al. shows that Hepatitis B virus prevalence rate in Nigeria ranges from 9-39%, and a prevalence rate above 7% in a study population is classified as hyper endemic [6]. Hepatitis B is highly contagious disease. Transfusion of infected blood or blood products, unprotected sex, and perinatal transmission during delivery from infected mother are major modes of transmission of HBV. Detection of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) in Serum is indicative of either acute or chronic phase of HB V infection [7]. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of hepatitis B infection among intending bl ood donors in Ogbomoso. II. Materials And Methods 2.1 Study Population The Study was performed in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, situated in the tropical belt of Southwestern part of Nigeria. The study participants were potential blood donors visiting State Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State betw een 2012 and 2013. A total number of two thousand three hundred and twenty nine (2329) blood donors who co nsented to participate were recruited for this study. 2.2 Laboratory Analysis Blood samples collected from consented blood donors were analyzed for HBsAg using one step Hepati tis B surface antigen test strip manufactured by Global International Diagnostics Ltd. The test kit is a qualitative, lateral flow immunoassay for detection of HBsAg. The screening was carried out according to the manufacturer ’s instructions. The interpretation of test results was performed according to the manufacturer’s specification.