Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C Viruses, and HIV among Antenatal Pregnant Women in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aim: Hepatitis B and C viruses and HIV infections remain major global health concerns as causes of high morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of HBsAg antibody, anti-Hepatitis C and HIV 1 and 2 antibodies in antenatal pregnant women in Nsukka, Nigeria. Study Design, Area and Duration of Study: The study utilized both experimental and survey designs. Blood samples were collected from women attending antenatal clinics in two prominent hospitals in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria from April to August 2016. Methods: Blood samples from 200 pregnant women were collected into plain vacutainers and allowed to clot. The serum was separated and used to test for antibodies to the viral infections using rapid test kits with immobilized antigens following the manufacturer’s instructions. Additional information was collected using standard questionnaire.  Results: From the results, 11 (5.5%), 9 (4.5%) and 5 (2.5%) women tested positive for HBsAg antibody, anti-HCV and HIV 1 and 2 antibodies, respectively. None of the patients was co-infected with HBV/HCV, HBV/HIV, HCV/HIV or triple infections with HBV/HCV/HIV. The mean age distribution was 28.2 years (Standard Deviation = 6.46). Marital status, age distribution and occupation were found to be statistically insignificant to the prevalence of HBsAg antibody, anti-HCV and HIV 1 and 2 antibodies (P > 0.05). Blood transfusion and history of previous surgeries were the risk factors for HBsAg and HIV 1 and 2 antibodies (P < 0.05), but not for anti- HCV (P> 0.05) among the study population. None of the respondents had body tattoo or admitted to have multiple sexual partners. Conclusion: There are still high seroprevalence of HBV, HCV and HIV among antenatal pregnant women in the study area. Hence, there is need for integration of hepatitis screening tests among the antenatal pregnant women in the town.