Publications by authors named "Lorraine K M Fokou"
Hepatitis B, C and D virus infections and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in Africa: A meta-analysis including sensitivity analyses for studies comparable for confounders.
Donatien Serge Mbaga Sebastien Kenmoe Cyprien Kengne-Ndé Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo Gadji Mahamat Lorraine K M Fokou Jean Bosco Taya-Fokou
PLoS One
February 2022
Introduction: Africa denotes unique facies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) characterized by a conjunction of low sensitization, restricted access to diagnosis and treatment and associated with the highest incidence and mortality in the world. We investigated whether hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and D (VHD) viruses were etiological agents of HCC in Africa.
Methods: Relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, African Index Medicus, and African Journal Online databases, as well as manual searches in relevant reviews and included articles.
Article Synopsis
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health issue, impacting around 2 billion people and causing about 1 million deaths annually, with healthcare workers (HCWs) at high risk due to potential exposure to infected blood.
- This study aims to assess the global prevalence of HBV serological markers among HCWs by analyzing relevant research published between 1970 and 2019, including a total of 227 studies from 71 countries.
- The meta-analysis revealed a pooled prevalence of current HBV infection (2.3%), with very low rates for HBeAg (0.2%) among the HCW population, highlighting the importance of monitoring and improving HBV control strategies in healthcare settings.