Background: In Togo, the prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen (HBsAg) among young people aged 15–24
years was estimated at 16.4% in 2010; however, risk factors for HBsAg carriage are poorly documented. We sought to
identify risk factors for HBsAg carriage and the serological profile of HBsAg carriers in Lomé (capital city of Togo).
Method: We conducted a case control study from October 2016 to March 2017 in Lomé. Cases and controls were
randomly selected from a database of Institut National d’Hygiène (INH) of Lomé during a free screening campaign for
hepatitis B. We calculated means, frequencies, proportions, odds ratios (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) and
performed logistic regression.
Results: We included 83 confirmed cases and 249 controls. The median age was 31 years among cases and 30 years
among the controls. The sex ratios (M/F) were 11/6 among cases and 4/3 for the controls. The independent risk factors
for HBsAg carriage were the awareness of hepatitis B serological status (OR = 3.56, 95% CI [1.80–7.04]) and Kabyè-tem
ethnic group (OR = 3.56, 95% CI [1.98–6.39]). Among HBsAg carriers, 13.3% were at the viral replication stage (all of
whom were between 30 and 45 years of age) and 1.2% were at the acute stage of the disease. The prevalence of
co-infection with hepatitis B and C was 4.80%. All co-infections were in women aged 24–28 years.
Conclusion: The Kabyè-tem ethnic group is at risk of HBsAg carriage in Lomé. Of note, most HBsAg carriers in this
ethnic group are aware of their HBsAg serological status. Furthermore, the prevalence of Hepatitis among adults of
reproductive age is high and is cause for concern. We therefore recommend screening and vaccination campaigns at
subsidized prices among people aged 30 years and older.

HBs antigen, Risk factors, Serological profile, Lomé