EVALUATION OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN G AND SELECTED IMMUNE CELL LEVELS IN HEPATITIS B POSITIVE PATIENTS ATTENDING SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, SOKOTO

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health concern in Nigeria, yet its impact on Immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels and specific immune cell parameters remains poorly understood in Sokoto. This study evaluated IgG concentrations and selected immune cell counts such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and basophils in HBV-positive patients attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto. A total of 45 participants were enrolled, comprising 40 HBV-positive patients and 5 healthy controls. Blood samples were collected and analyzed using standard Full Blood Count (FBC) procedures and ELISA for IgG quantification. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.0, with independent t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation applied at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results showed that HBV-positive patients had significantly higher IgG levels compared to controls (p < 0.001). Lymphocyte counts were significantly lower in HBV-infected individuals (p = 0.007), while neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils showed no significant differences between the two groups. Demographic variations indicated that married individuals, rural residents, and older participants exhibited higher IgG levels, whereas younger individuals had higher lymphocyte counts. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between IgG and lymphocytes (p < 0.001) and a positive relationship between IgG and neutrophils (p = 0.009). HBV infection is associated with increased IgG levels and reduced lymphocyte counts, indicating humoral immune activation and cellular immune suppression. These findings provide valuable insight into the immunological patterns of HBV infection in Sokoto and highlight the importance of immune profiling in disease monitoring and patient management.