TITLE:
Epidemiology of Hepatitis B and Syphilis in Ouagadougou (2013-2024): Screening, Prevalence and Drug Treatment
AUTHORS:
Doninouor Edilbert Dabire, Sidnooma Véronique Zongo, Denise P. Ilboudo, Edie Jardel Combari, Edwige T. Yelemkoure, Abel P. Sorgho, Albert Théophane Yonli, Théodora M. Zohoncon, Florencia W. Djigma, Innocent Pierre Guissou, Jacques Simpore
KEYWORDS:
Hepatitis B, Syphilis, Prevalence, Hepatitis B Vaccine, Tenofovir, Antibiotic
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Molecular Biology,
Vol.16 No.1,
January
19,
2026
ABSTRACT: 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.