Hepatitis B and C virus infections among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at Mbale regional referral hospital.

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B and C infections are associated with increased risks of maternal complications that include premature contractions, placenta previa, preterm delivery, placental separation, premature rupture of membranes, low birth weight, gestational diabetes mellitus and congenital anomalies. This study determined the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus infections and associated factors among pregnant women attending Antenatal Clinic at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital. Methods: The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study that involved the screening of 200 pregnant women for HBV and HCV using ABOTT ARCHITECT i2000 SR for the qualitative detection of HBsAg and Anti-HCV in serum using Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immunoassay (CMIA) technology. Results: Of the 200 pregnant women tested, 2 tested positive for the HBsAg giving a prevalence of 1% and 3 (1.5%) of the pregnant women tested positive for the Anti-HCV. Conclusion and Recommendations: The prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections among study participants was low. During antenatal care, routine and mandatory screening of Hepatitis B and C Virus should be done.