High Prevalence of Hepatitis-B Surface Antigen in Pregnant Women Observed in Southwest Nigeria: A Potential Risk for Vertical Hbsag Transmission

Abstract

Aim: Nigeria has been classified among the nations highly endemic for viral Hepatitis with a seroprevalence of 2.7-13.3% in normal population. The study determines the seroprevalent rates of hepatitis B virus based on trimester stages in a population of pregnant women. Study Type: Case control. Place of Study: Department of Microbiology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, a total of 300 pregnant women sampled in the population were attending ante-natal clinic at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Southwest Nigeria. A rapid one-step diagnostic strip method was used for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) detection and Smart check HBsAg Immunoassay used for confirmation. The study had a structured questionnaire to generate baseline information. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18. Results: High prevalence of HBsAg was observed in pregnant women that are married (6.67%), have multiple sexual partners (7.76%) and indulge in transactional sexual behaviour (7%). Awareness of HbsAg transmission to the fetus by the pregnant mothers (0.95%) and previous HbsAg testing were low (3%). Differentials in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd pregnancy trimesters showed 42.9%, 10.9%, and 18.4% prevalent rates respectively. Conclusion: The result expresses high potential and possible risk associated with HbsAg vertical transmission during the 1st and 2nd trimester of pregnancy. Therefore, proactive approach targeted at this population should be designed to reduce HbsAg transmission to the fetus.