Epidemiology of Hepatitis B and Syphilis in Ouagadougou (2013-2024): Screening, Prevalence and Drug Treatment

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Résumé

Context: Asymptomatic sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as hepatitis B and syphilis, affect more than one million people aged 15 to 49 every day. A better understanding of their prevalence is essential in order to move towards their elimination and contribute to a 90% reduction in chronic hepatitis cases by 2030. Objective: To analyze changes in the epidemiological trends of hepatitis B and syphilis between 2013 and 2024 in order to strengthen control strategies and improve medical care for patients. Method: A descriptive
cross-sectional study was conducted, including retrospective data collection from the CERBA database (2013-2023) and prospective data collection in 2024. Biological samples were analyzed using rapid diagnostic tests: DetermineTM HBsAg 2 and DetermineTM Syphilis TP. Results: From 2013 to 2024, among the 2,604 participants (mean age: 30.33 ± 10.87 years), the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was 8.49% and that of syphilis was 1.61%. A downward trend in HBV was observed during the study period: 8.91% in 2013, 8.45% in 2016, 8.75% in 2020, and 7.83% in 2024. For syphilis, the rates were 2.30% in 2016, 2.61% in 2020 and 1.54% in 2024. Over the same period, HBV prevalence was higher in men than in women (9.24% vs. 7.10%, P = 0.061) and syphilis prevalence was also higher in men (1.72% vs. 1.42%, P = 0.563). In the management of HBV, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) remains the reference molecule, prescribed in 98.1% of cases, while tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is used marginally (1.9%), and the hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) remains accessible.
Conclusion: The still high prevalence of HBV in Burkina Faso requires increased vaccination efforts, particularly among at-risk groups, as well as equitable access to antivirals, with the goal of reducing chronic forms of hepatitis B by 90% within a decade. Furthermore, the decline in the prevalence of syphilis highlights the importance of early and continuous screening, treatment of partners and the implementation of effective prevention programs.

Mots-clés

Hepatitis B, Syphilis, Prevalence, Hepatitis B Vaccine, Tenofovir, Antibiotic