Occurrence of Hepatitis B and C Viral Infections among Pregnant Women in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria

Aims: To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV among pregnant women in Calabar, and the possible predisposing factors of the disease.

Study Design: This was a cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Calabar, the capital city of Cross River State, Nigeria between May, 2014 and February, 2015.

Methodology: Ethical approval was obtained, consent forms were signed by the patients, questionnaires were also administered to capture socio demographic information followed by collection and processing of specimens. Five millitre (5 ml) of blood was collected from 300 pregnant (test) and 100 non pregnant (control) subjects and their sera tested for HBV and HCV using One step HBsAg strip and One step Anti-HCV strip. Both manufactured by ACON Laboratories incorporated, USA. Questionnaires were also administered.

Results: Of the 300 pregnant women examined, infection with HBsAg was observed in only 14(4.7%). There was no infection with Hepatitis C virus and no mixed infection with both viruses. Among the 100 control (non-pregnant) women examined, infection with HBV was observed in only 6(6%) with no infection with Hepatitis ‘C’ virus and no mixed infection with both viruses. Respondents in the age group 36-40 years had the highest rate of HBV infection 8(57.1%), but this was not statistically significant (P= 0.052). In the nature of marriage category, respondents who were separated from their spouse had the highest rate of HBV infection 2(33.3%). In terms of occupation, respondents in the category of business women had the highest rate of HBV 4(6.1%) while traders had the lowest rate of HBV infection 0(0%). Respondents who were not educated in the educational status category had the highest rate of HBV infection 2(33.3%), while respondents with the secondary level of education had the lowest rate of HBV infection 4(3.2%). Respondent in their first trimester of pregnancy had the highest level of HBV infection 6(3.7%) while those in their second trimester had the lowest rate of HBV infection 2(2.1%).

Conclusion: This study has revealed HBV among pregnant women in Calabar and therefore recommends that a routine screening of this category of patients be made mandatory during their antenatal clinic in order to achieve their proper clinical management and reduction of vertical transmission of the disease.