Hepatitis B virus sero-prevalence among pregnant females in northern Nigeria

Abstract

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) continues to cause serious health problems in developing countries. Neonatal infection with HBV which is often acquired during delivery, carries a high risk resulting in persistent infection. This research aims to detect the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) among pregnant women in the location of study. About 180 sera samples were screened among pregnant women aged 13-49 using Standard ELISA Method. Structured questionnaire were administered to the subjects to obtain demographic and other relevant data. Overall result showed that 31 (17.2%) were found to be positive for HBsAg among the total subjects screened. The highest prevalence was found among those aged 20-29 with 11(6.1%) seropositivity (χ 2 = 7.902; p-value = 0.048). Considering occupational distribution of volunteer subjects, a high prevalence of 12 (6.7%), p<0.05 was recorded among house wives which shows a measure of significance compared to other women screened. Furthermore, based on various risk factors subjects with history of surgery and use of unsterilized sharp instruments recorded 15 (8.3%) prevalence (p-value 0.233; p>0.05). However, women in their second trimester of pregnancy recorded a higher prevalence of 23 (12.8%: (p-value 0.080; p<0.05)). This study therefore emphasizes the public health importance of HBV among pregnant women and equally suggests that children born to women with Hepatitis B virus be closely monitored for infection beyond the one and the half years of age this also calls for a proper enlightenment on the dangers posed by the virus while a well designed vaccination schedule is advocated among the general populace. © Medwell Journals, 2012.