Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B and C among Pregnant Women

Introduction: Infections due to Hepatitis B and C are important health issues all over the world. Hepatitis B and C prevalence is increasing among pregnant women in developing countries. It is serious problem because of maternal mortality and transmission of virus from mother to child. This study was designed to determine the frequency of Hepatitis B and C among the pregnant women in Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan. Material and method: This descriptive /cross sectional study was carried out at Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan. Blood samples were collected from pregnant women aseptically in the Department of Gynecology Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. HBsAg and anti HCV antibodies were detected using ICT and ELISA technique according to standard operating procedure of the kit manual. Results: Out of 110 pregnant women prevalence of HCV and HBV was 8.2% and 13.6% respectively using ELISA technique. While using ICT, 13.6% of blood samples were positive for HBsAg and 9% for anti HCV antibodies. Hepatitis B positive women had history of ear nose piercing (100%), history of visit to non-qualified health care provider (46.6%), visit to Dai (Non-qualified midwives) (33.3%), history of cesarean surgery (26.6%), blood transfusion (20%), dental surgery (13.3%), abortions (13.3%) and dilatation and curettage (6.6%). In case of HCV, positive individuals had history of ear nose piercing (100%), visit to Dai (Non-qualified midwives) (44.4%), cesarean surgery (44.4%), visit to non-qualified health care provider (33.3%), blood transfusion (11.1%), dental surgery (11.1%), dilatation and curettage and abortions (11.1%). Conclusion: There is high prevalence of hepatitis B and C among pregnant women. So screening of pregnant women at mass level should be started to control the disease.