Prevalence of Viral Hepatitis in Street Adolescents in Togo

In Togo, few data are available on viral hepatitis in street adolescents, a vulnerable population due to their lifestyle.

A study, published in BMC Public Health, described the lifestyle of street adolescents (sexual practices and drug use) in Togo, and estimated the prevalence of hepatitis B and C, and the HBV immunization profile.

The cross-sectional study was conducted in Lomé, Togo in July 2021. Street adolescents aged between 13 and 19 years were included. A questionnaire was used to document lifestyle. ELISA tests were performed for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core and surface antibodies (anti-HBc, anti-HBs), and antibodies against hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV).