ABSTRACT
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a meticulous factor of liver disease and one of the most important health issues worldwide. Hepatitis is the inflammation of the liver produced by autoimmune disease, alcohol or drug abuse, genetic disorder or microbial infection. To detect the presence; prevalence; incidence; and the relationship between the different risk factors of hepatitis C among patients in Ilorin. This study reports on the occurrence of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) antibodies among patients attending selected hospitals in Ilorin, Nigeria. Serum samples from each subject were tested for the presence of antibodies to HCV using RAPID LABS rapid test kit produced by RAPID Laboratories, Ltd, UK. Analysis of the result showed that 1(1.4%) of the subjects tested positive to antibodies of HCV. The subjects included in this study were (71) seventy-one (34 (47.9%) males and 37 (52.1%) females; aged between 18-60 years of age). This study however, revealed the existence of this infection among patients attending hospitals in Ilorin. Attitudes such as good health seeking behavior, avoiding sharing of needles for drugs, tattooing or piercing that would reduce the risk of contacting HCV are therefore recommended.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT PAGES
Title Page i
Certification ii
Dedication iii
Acknowledgements iv-v
Abstract vi
Table of contents vii-ix
List of Tables x-xi
List of Figures xii
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 Introduction 1-4
1.1 Aim of the Research 4
1.2 Objectives of the Research 4
1.3 Statement of Problems 5
1.4 Justification of the Research 5
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 Literature Review 6-19
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 Materials and Methods 20
3.1 Study Area 20
3.2 Study Population 20
3.3 Sample Collection 20
3.4 Data Collection 20
3.5 Sample Preparation 20
3.6 Test Kit 21
3.7 Serological Assay 21
3.8 Data Analysis 22
3.9 Statistical Analysis 22
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 Results 23
4.1 Prevalence 25-40
4.2 Incidence Rate Calculation 41
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 Discussion 42-47
Conclusion 48
Recommendations 49
REFERENCES 50-69
