SEROPREVALENCE AND CLINICO EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN AND HEPATITIS C VIRAL ANTIBODIES IN PREGNANCY

Abstract

Hepatitis B and C are among the many transmissible viral infections which cross the
placenta to infect the fetus. Several studies demonstrate that sexual, household,
occupational and vertical transmission are important mechanisms.
This is a descriptive cross sectional study of the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface
antigen and hepatitis C viral antibodies in pregnant women attending the antenatal
booking clinic of Irrua specialist Teaching Hospital. The clinical and epidemiological
correlates for hepatitis B and C in pregnancy were also identified
205 pregnant women who came for antenatal booking were recruited into this study. Of
these, 6.8% (n=14) were seropositive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) while
3.9% (n=8) were seropositive for hepatitis C viral (anti-HCV) antibodies
The significant risk factors for HBsAg seropositivity were history of multiple sexual
partners and presence of tattoo/scarification marks (p<0.05). There was no significant
association with respect to a history of jaundice or contact with a jaundiced patient,
previous blood transfusion, intravenous drug abuse or sharing of sharps, previous
surgery, episiotomies or dilatation and curettage or a husband with history of multiple
sexual partners (p>0.05). None of the risk factors were significantly associated with
hepatitis C viral antibody seropositivity.
There was no significant association between HIV and hepatitis B or C infections
Universal antenatal screening for HBsAg and immunization of all newborn and those at
risk of hepatitis B is recommended while selective screening for anti-HCV antibodies
on the basis of risk factors may be a viable option.
Health education aimed at reducing risk factors is advocated.

SEROPREVALENCE AND CLINICO EPIDEMIOLOGICAL CORRELATES OF HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN AND HEPATITIS C VIRAL ANTIBODIES IN PREGNANCY