Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Federal Medical Center Keffi, Nigeria

Pregnant women infected with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) represent a major reservoir of the virus in the community. The aim of this study was to determine Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) as a serological marker for the viral infection among pregnant women in Keffi and its environs. An immunochromatographic test kit (Clinotech diagnostics and Pharmaceuticals Canada) designed for the qualitative detection of HBsAg in serum was used to screen for the virus among 180 pregnant women. All positive samples were reconfirmed with HBsAg ELISA kit (Globamed, South Africa (PTY) Cape Town). The overall seroprevalence of HBsAg in the study population was 6.67%. Although, HbsAg was detected at a higher rate among pregnant women aged 40-44 than in any other age group, the difference was not statistically significant (p≥0.05). Similarly those who were illiterate, unmarried, multiparous have had a surgery, blood transfusion or had facial marks had higher prevalence rates although, statistically insignificant (p>0.5). The HBsAg prevalence in this study was high. Therefore, all pregnant women should be screened routinely and not based on risk factors. Children born to HBsAg mothers should be given the required prophylaxes.