Introduction: The transmission of occult hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a significant public health issue among transfused sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. Object: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of occult hepatitis B in SCD patients and to establish the association between HBsAg and anti HBc, according to the number of blood transfusions received. Patients and Methods: This epidemiological, descriptive and analytical study was conducted in three sickle cell care centers in Kinshasa from January to June 2018, involving 384 transfused SCD patients. Results: The study revealed that the age group 10 - 20 years was the most represented with a predominance of males (male-female sex ratio of 1.07). 65 patients of the study population tested positive for anti-HBc but negative for HbsAg and had occult hepatitis, representing 19.0 % of the total. Conclusion: Occult hepatitis B is a particular form of HBV infection that is increasingly attracting the attention of clinicians in the SCD patients.
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Kalonji, M. M. , Kodondi, S. D. , Bondo, B. T. , Sumbu, B. M. M. , Mutombo, P. B. , Nyembo, G. K. , Tongu, E. N. , Babazanga, M. L. , Ngoie, C. N. , Mikobi, T. M. , Kodondi, F. K. K. and Ahuka, S. M. (2024). Preliminary Study on Occult Hepatitis B in Sickle Cell Anemia. Open Access Library Journal, 11, e1902. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4236/oalib.1111902.
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