Seroprevalence of Malaria and Hepatitis B (HBsAg) with Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in General Hospital Minna, North-Central Nigeria

Aims: This study determines the antibody levels of Malaria and Hepatitis B and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending anti-natal Clinic at General Hospital Minna.
Study Design: The subjects were pregnant women who attended ante-natal clinic. Sample sizes were determined from the number of pregnant women that attended antenatal Clinic.
Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from the ante-natal Clinic of General Hospital Minna between July to November 2011.
Methodology: Samples were assayed for malaria and hepatitis B (HBsAg) by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Time and age of pregnancy were noted.
Results: Out of the 269 pregnant women screened 216(80.30%) were positive for malaria, 22(8.18%) for hepatitis B and 21(7.81%) were co-infection of malaria and hepatitis B and 10 were negative, while non-pregnant women had 51(51.00%), 8(8.00%) and 6(6.00%) for malaria, hepatitis B and co-infection of both out of 100 screened. There was a significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant women both in malaria and hepatitis B at p<0.05. History of blood transfusion, Alcohol consumption and Use of contraceptives were significantly associated with hepatitis B and co-infection of both hepatitis B and malaria at p<0.05. Only history of blood transfusion was associated with malaria infection though not significant.
Conclusion: High prevalence of antibodies to malaria and hepatitis B is a matter of great concern considering the effect of these diseases on the foetus. Adequate measures need to be taken to treat and provide prophylactic measures.