HBV-BF

Sero-epidemiology of chronic HBV infection in Burkina Faso

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is highly prevalent in Western African countries and, based on recent estimates, it is above 12% in Burkina Faso. However, country-specific epidemiologic information and biomarker data obtained from serological surveys are sparse and mostly based on particular population groups, e.g. blood donors or from specific age-groups. Furthermore, laboratory and diagnostic capacity is likely to be limited and requires to be build up in order to collect and analyse epidemiologic data which allow drawing conclusions on diagnostic and treatment needs.

The study aims to assess the chronic HBV prevalence and risks in Burkina Faso based on > 4,000 representatively sampled individuals in the general population of the Nouna district in Burkina Faso. This will be done by conducting a field sero-epidemiologic survey that includes interviewing and blood collection and analyses. The field phase is running in 2017 after successful piloting and establishing of research capacity (e.g. SOPs etc.). Subsequently, collected data are to be linked  with anonymized results from the laboratory analyses on HBV in collected blood samples.

The project is intended to provide epidemiologic information on chronic HBV infection and thereby inform health policy on potential treatment and diagnostic needs. The project is conducted in a DZIF African Partner Institution and in the scope of 2015 published WHO guidelines that address prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic HBV infection in low-and middle-income countries.

Cooperation

University Hospital Heidelberg and CRSN Burkina Faso

Funding Agencies

DZIF – German Center for Infection Research
HZI - Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research