Detection of Hepatitis B Core Antibody In Apparently Healthy Individuals In Oyo State, Nigeria

This undergraduate research project investigated the prevalence of Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) among apparently healthy individuals in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study focused on detecting Immunoglobulin M antibodies against the Hepatitis B core antigen (IgM anti-HBc), an important serological marker of recent Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, using rapid diagnostic test kits. A total of 129 participants were recruited from four healthcare centers across Oyo State. Serological analysis revealed a high prevalence of IgM anti-HBc positivity, with 120 participants (93%) testing positive and 9 (7%) testing negative. The prevalence was further analyzed across different age groups, with the highest number of positive cases observed among individuals aged 21–30 years. The findings highlight a substantial burden of recent HBV exposure within the study population and underscore the importance of sustained public health interventions, including vaccination, safe injection practices, routine screening, and public education on preventive measures. This research contributes to the epidemiological understanding of Hepatitis B infection in southwestern Nigeria and provides evidence to support improved disease surveillance and prevention strategies. Keywords: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb), IgM anti-HBc, seroprevalence, epidemiology, rapid diagnostic testing, public health, Nigeria.