Screening for chronic hepatitis C and chronic hepatitis B infections among pregnant females: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: In Egypt, an endemic country for both viral hepatitis C and B infections, infection could be more prevalent in pregnant females. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of chronic HCV and HBV in a cohort of pregnant Egyptian females, highlighting the disease burden for better preventive measures and better disease outcome. In this cross-sectional prospective study, 399 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in a tertiary care center in Egypt were screened for HCV and HBV infection using ELISA testing. Clinical and biochemical characteristics were compared between positive and negative cases. Results: Mean age was 26.78 years. Prevalence rates of HCV-Ab and HBsAg positivity were 7.02% and 7.52%. Isolated HBcAb positivity was found in only 2 patients (0.5%). All cases were negative for HBsAb. No combined HBV/HCV infection was detected. All positive cases for either HBV or HCV infections did not show any signs of hepatic decompensation. ALT was significantly higher among HBV positive versus negative patients (mean ± SD of 14.2 ± 5.77 IU/L versus 11.95 ± 5.21 IU/L, p = 0.02, reference range: 7-56 IU/L), while no significant difference was found between HCV positive and negative cases as regards liver enzymes. Conclusion: In Egypt, HBV prevalence in pregnant females seems to be higher than general population. This was not evident for HCV infection; however, it is still higher than pooled prevalence rates worldwide. This higher prevalence for both viral infections warrants strict screening programs to prevent vertical transmission and to provide better maternal and fetal outcome.