ASSESSMENT OF HEPATITIS A, B SELECTED CYTOKINES AND GONORRHEA CO-INFECTION AMONG FEMALE STUDENTS OF FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OTUOKE, BAYELSA STATE

This study assessed the prevalence of Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, selected cytokine levels, and Gonorrhea co-infection among female students of Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections remain significant public health concerns, particularly among young adults who may engage in high-risk behaviors. The study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A and B infections, evaluate selected cytokine responses, and investigate the occurrence of gonorrhea co-infection among the study population. A cross-sectional research design was adopted. Blood samples were collected from consenting female students and analyzed using standard serological and immunological techniques for hepatitis A and B markers, selected cytokines, and gonorrhea infection. Demographic and risk-factor data were obtained through structured questionnaires. The laboratory results were statistically analyzed to determine prevalence rates and possible associations between infections and cytokine responses. Findings from the study revealed varying levels of hepatitis A and B infections among the participants, with evidence of immune response indicated by alterations in selected cytokine levels. A proportion of the subjects also showed gonorrhea co-infection, suggesting possible overlapping transmission routes and shared risk factors. Statistical analysis indicated that co-infection could influence cytokine expression and immune response among infected individuals. The study concludes that hepatitis infections and gonorrhea co-infection exist among female students in the study area and may have implications for immune response and disease progression. It recommends increased health education, routine screening, vaccination programs for hepatitis B, and improved sexual health awareness among students to reduce the burden of these infections.