Annals of Tropical Pathology
Seroprevalence and Risk Factors for Hepatitis B Virus Infection Among Pregnant Women in a Tertiary Institution
By Stephen Olaniyi Ajani, Adekunle Oguntayo, Bala Mohammed Audu and 1 others.
Abstract
Background
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem that affects 350 million people worldwide. It is a blood borne and sexually transmitted pathogen that is spread through percutaneous and mucosal exposure to infected blood and body fluids.
Objectives
To determine the seroprevalence and risk factors for maternal and perinatal Hepatitis B infection in a tertiary institution in North-western Nigeria.
Materials and methods
This descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based research was carried out on 240 consenting pregnant women attending for delivery at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria. Blood was sampled at the time of delivery from the umbilical cord, and these blood samples were used to investigate the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) using conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. These tests are used to assess exposure and potential infectivity. Data on sociodemographic variables, obstetric history, and potential risk factors for hepatitis B virus transmission, including blood transfusion, surgery, scarification, and sexual practices, was obtained through a structured interviewer-administered proforma. Neonatal data, including birth weight, APGAR scores at 1 and 5 minutes, and gestational age, was also recorded, which might show associations with hepatitis B virus transmission. Data were coded, entered into SPSS version 30, and analyzed.