Sero Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus In Pregnant Women Attending A Clinic In Zaria, Nigeria.

Abstract

Pregnant women were screened for the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) using rapid immunochroma to graphic test kits. Of the 300 screened, 40(13.3%) were found HBs Ag positive. Prevalence rate based on age groups showed 21-25 years age group having the highest rate of 19.0% followed by 26-30 years age group with 13.6% while 41-45 years age group showed zero(0) prevalence. Pregnant women in the second trimester had the highest prevalence of 18.4%. Blood transfusion recipients had the highest prevalence of 20.0%. The result showed that HBV infection increases with age to a level and decreases with higher age. The detection of HBs Ag among these women has indicated the presence of either acute (anicteric) or chronic (icteric) Hepatitis B virus infection. It is suggested that all pregnant women should be vaccinated to prevent vertical transmission of the disease.