Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Infection amongst Pregnant Women in a Community North Central Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global challenge mostly in developing countries. Hepatitis B virus has infected almost one third of the world population. Pregnant women infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) can transmit the infection to their fetuses and newborns. As a result of the developing status of most of our communities screening of antenatal attendees is rarely done as a routine in most health facilities that offers antenatal services, hence the need for this studies at our location of study.

Methods: One hundred and ninety (190) serum samples were screened among pregnant women on ante-natal care, using standard ELISA method. A well-structured questionnaire was administered to individuals to determine incidence rates and identify relative risk factors that predispose subjects to the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection.

Results: From the total samples screened, Sixty-three, 63 (33.2%) were found to be positive for Hepatitis B virus. The highest prevalence was found among those aged 21-30 with overall number of 37(19.5%) Positivity, X2 =1.508; P=0.471. Considering educational status of subjects screened, high prevalence was recorded among those without formal education with 25(13.2%) Prevalence, x2= 5.381; P = 0.146 considering the various risk factors, subjects with history of tattooing/tribal markings recorded 41(21.6%), while women in their second trimester of pregnancy had a higher prevalence of 42(22.2%).

Conclusions: This study recorded a high prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection amongst pregnant women at our study location, which also reflects high probable risks of HBV perinatal transmission. It is therefore strongly recommended that pregnant women be routinely screened for Hepatitis B virus infection as part of antenatal care services.