Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus among Pregnant Women Attending Omdurman Maternity Hospital Clinic

Abstract

Pregnant women are a specific target group to Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) due to the risk of vertical transmission of the infection, which occurs usually in the prenatal period and is the major cause of HBV transmission. The aim of the study was to determine Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B virus among pregnant women attended Omdurman Maternity Hospital clinic.A total of ninety subjects (n=90) were enrolled in this study. A local antiseptic (70% ethanol) was used to clean the skin. Venous blood (3mLs) were taken from each participant by standard procedures and put in plain containers to clot then centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 5 minutes and serum was obtained and kept at -20˚C until used. The serum samples were examined by ELISA to detect HBsAg and HBcAb.One out of 90(1.1%) pregnant women was found HBsAg positive and 6 out of 90 (6.7%) pregnant women were showedHBcAb positive.All women who gave a positive result they were from urban area and there was no case from the rural. Out of total 6 positive result for HBcAb3(50%) of them between the ages26-34 years. In addition to the total number of abortion 35 only 2(5.7%) gave a positive result for HBcAb and no abortion in HBsAg positive case. The prevalence of HBV infection among pregnant women attending Omdurman Maternity clinics did not exceed the estimated nationwide prevalence. However, that not means to ignore this low prevalence and giving special attention to the prevention ofoutbreak of hepatitis B.