Hepatitis B and syphilis prevalence and risk factors of transmission among febrile patients in a primary health facility in Kogi State, Nigeria.

Hepatitis B and syphilis remained a global disease with a worrisome prevalence in Nigeria. This study was to determine their prevalence and factors associated with HBV and syphilis infection in febrile patients in Ejule metropolis, Nigeria. In a cross-sectional study, sera obtained from the patients were screened for HBsAg (HBV) and syphilis using commercial immunoassay kits. Data on patients' demographic, social, and behavioral indicators were collected using structured questionnaires. Of the 200 participants, 15 (7.5%) were HBsAg-positive, 3(1.5%) had syphilis, while 2(1.0%) had both HBV and syphilis infections. Ages 31-40 had a higher prevalence of single- and co-infection. Comparable rates of single and concurrent infection were observed in both sexes (P > .05), despite higher participating rates in females. Being single significantly influenced HBV/syphilis co-infection (p = .02), while no statistical difference in prevalence rates was observed with patients' level of education and occupational status. Intravenous drug use (p = .02), history of surgeries (p = .001), and blood transfusion (p = .01) were significantly associated with HBV infection. Also, a significant rate of syphilis was observed in an association with the history of surgeries (p = .001) and blood transfusion (p = .008). Findings from our study show an intermediate level of hepatitis B endemicity in the study area. The low rate of syphilis and co-infection with HBV shows that further strengthening of the current public health measures, including awareness of potential risk factors, could be beneficial in reducing the burden of both HBV and syphilis infection. The low frequency of individuals vaccinated against HBV suggests a need for improved vaccination services.