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

Authors

  • Jatau E. D. Department of microbiology, A. B. U. Zaria
  • Yabaya A. Department of Microbiology, Kaduna State University, Kaduna

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.

Author Biography

Jatau E. D., Department of microbiology, A. B. U. Zaria

Head and Senior Lecturer, Department of Biological Sciences

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