The prevalence of hepatitis A,B,C and HIV seropositivity among patients with acute iciteric hepatitis at the Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of hepatitis A, B, C and HIV seropositivity among patients with acute icteric hepatitis at the KNH. Study design & Setting: The study design was a cross-sectional descriptive survey, done at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. Methods: Outpatients and inpatients aged above 6 months with a history of jaundice not exceeding 6 months were recruited. A history was obtained, physical examination done, and blood taken for determination of bilirubin, ALT, AST and ALP levels. Sera that had disproportionately greater transaminase than ALP elevation were then assayed for IgM anti-HA V, IgM anti-HBc, anti-HCV, anti-HIV antibodies and also for the HBsAg. Results: 47 males and 37 females aged 8 months to 67 years with a median of 25 years were studied. Hepatitis A, B, and C were found in 41.70/0,26.2% and 7.1 % of the patients respectively. 13.1 % of the patients were HBsAg earners, and 30.1 % were also HIV positive. 32 patients did not have hepatitis A, B, or C. This group was significantly associated with HIV infection (p 0.003). Conclusions: HA V was the commonest overall cause of acute icteric hepatitis at the KNH, and among patients aged 15 years and below. HBY was the leading cause of acute hepatitis among those aged over 15 years. HCY accounted for 7.1 % of acute icteric hepatitis. 30.1 % of all patients, and 50% of those admitted with acute hepatitis were also HIV positive.