oa High prevalence of hepatitis C and hepatitis B infection among pregnant women and their blood donors District Naushahro Feroze, Pakistan 2014

Background: Reports on burden of hepatitis C and hepatitis B virus (HCV/HBV) are a big challenge for district to minimize the transmission of associated risk factors. Study was conducted to know the prevalence of HCV/HBV infection in pregnant women and their blood donors attended a surgical referral clinic for cesarean delivery.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of HCV/HBV infection among pregnant women and their blood donors.

Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study (record review) of all pregnant women and their blood donors (family members) was conducted from 10th to 15th February 2015 at a private surgical clinic in district Naushahro Feroze. Data from 1st January to 31st December 2014 gathered on results of blood screening used by ELISA test.

Results: Of 175 women aged 15–52 years, 13% (n = 22) tested positive (13 HCV; 9 HBV) besides these a total of 656 blood donors aged 16–40 years reported for blood donations and were 22% (n = 145) tested positive (80 HCV; 65 HBV). The highest positivity rate was seen in women aged 25 years or less (26%) compared with those aged above 25 years (9%) OR = 3.02 (95% CI 1.03 to 9.98). Statistically significant difference was identified between ages of donors who were aged below 25 years were high positivity rate (30%) compared to above 25 years positive for hepatitis infection (24%) OR = 1.15. 02 (95% CI 1.01 to 2.34).

Conclusions: One in eight pregnant women attending surgical clinic for cesarean delivery and one in five blood donors who came to attend for bleed has evidence of HCV/HBV infection. These HCV/HBV positive mothers may be at increased risk of transmitting HCV/HBV infection to their unborn babies. We suggest that all pregnant women attending 1st antenatal care be tested for HCV/HBV infection; exposed babies need to receive HBV vaccines at birth. Further molecular studies on risk factors needed in these settings.