Authors : N. Onuzulike and E.O. Ogueri
Abstract: Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem and is endemic in Africa, including Nigeria. Vertical transmission of HBV infection is thought to be a major mode of transmission in these endemic areas. The study was therefore undertaken to determine sero-prevalence of Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) in pregnant women in Owerri, Imo State of Nigeria. The study aimed to obtain baseline information on disease burden in the locality, Vis a Vis instituting public health measures to reduce transmission. Serial recruitment of 300 pregnant women attending the ante- natal clinic at the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri in Imo State. HbsAg screening was done using rapid ELISA kit. The results showed that 31(10.3%) of the 300 subjects tested positive to HBsAg. Blood transmission, circumcision, sharing of toothbrush and sharing of razor were found not to be significant modes of transmission of HBV infection in Owerri. Based on the findings, the study concluded that there is high prevalence (10.3%) of HBV infection in pregnant women in Owerri, Imo State of Nigeria. Therefore, the need to institute public health measures to reduce disease burden and transmission, including routine screening of all pregnant mothers for HBV infection and early passive-active immunization of babies born to HBSAg-positive mothers are advocated.
N. Onuzulike and E.O. Ogueri , 2007. Sero-Prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) in Pregnant Women in Owerri, Imo State of Nigeria. Research Journal of Biological Sciences, 2: 178-182.