SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B MARKERS AMONG CHILDREN OF HEPATITIS B POSITIVE MOTHERS IN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL, SOKOTO.

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria, where vertical transmission from mother to child continues to contribute significantly to the burden of chronic HBV infection. Children born to mothers who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive are at particularly high risk of acquiring the infection during childbirth or early childhood. This study determined the seroprevalence of HBV markers among children aged 1–5 years born to HBV-positive mothers attending Specialist Hospital Sokoto. A cross-sectional study design was adopted, involving 129 mother–child pairs selected systematically. Blood samples were collected from the children for the detection of hepatitis B serological markers, including HBsAg, HBeAg, Anti-HBc, Anti-HBe and Anti-HBs, using rapid diagnostic test kits and Hepatitis B virus serological profile procedures. The results showed that 14.7% of the mothers were HBsAg positive. Among the children, 7.8% tested positive for HBsAg, indicating active infection, while 2.3% were positive for HBeAg, suggesting high infectivity in a subset of children. Anti-HBc was detected in 21.7% of the children, reflecting previous exposure, and 11.6% were Anti-HBe positive, indicating partial seroconversion. Only 42.6% demonstrated Anti-HBs positivity, consistent with immunity from vaccination or past infection. Timely birth-dose vaccination coverage was low (24.8%), and only 55% of the children had completed the full three-dose hepatitis B vaccine schedule. The findings indicate that despite ongoing prevention efforts, vertical and early-life horizontal transmission of HBV persists among children of infected mothers in Sokoto. Low birth-dose vaccination and incomplete immunization contribute significantly to this burden. Strengthening antenatal screening, ensuring universal timely birth-dose vaccination, improving vaccine availability, and enhancing caregiver education are essential for reducing HBV transmission and achieving long-term HBV control in the region.