Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in pregnant Lebanese women

High Viral Hepatitis Infection among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital Ibadan (AMTHI) Oyo State, Nigeria

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) are highly endemic in several African countries including Nigeria with adverse effects on pregnancy outcomes resulting in fatality. This study aimed to determine the viral hepatitis in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic, AMTHI. Informed consent questionnaire was administered before blood collection via venipuncture. a total of 904 pregnant women plasma samples were tested for HBV, HCV, and HEV using ELISA kit. Data was analyzed using packages within SPSS software and P ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Out of 904 samples analyzed, the overall prevalence of hepatitis infections among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in AMTHI was 66(7.3%). High prevalence of the hepatitis infections was found among young women within the age group 21-30 which might be associated with active sex, intravenous drug use, sharing of sharp objects and alcoholism. Blood group O Positive had the highest prevalence of hepatitis. There was statistical significance between blood group and HBsAg infection (P < .05). Genotype AA women had highest prevalence of hepatitis. This study showed significant association between HBsAg, HCV, and HEV positive status with blood group O positive and Genotype AA pregnant women.

Epidemiology of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in Lebanon

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Hepatitis B and C are two potentially life threatening liver infections. Lebanon is ranked as a zone of moderate endemicity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B and C in Lebanon and their distribution according to age, region and sex.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This national prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2011 till December 2012 in the six Lebanese Governorates in collaboration with municipalities, the Ministry of Public Health, Health Centres and dispensaries. An upcoming screening for hepatitis B and C was announced? in different districts of each Governorate. All individuals presenting to local laboratory, not known to have chronic hepatitis, were asked for a blood sample and answered a questionnaire addressing sex, age, place of birth and residence. Screening tests were "Abbots" for hepatitis B and "Human Hexagon" for hepatitis C. PCR testing was used to confirm the positivity of the previous tests.

RESULTS

Of 31147 individuals screened, 542 had a rapid test positive for HBV (prevalence 1.74%, 95% CI 1.6-1.89) with a male to female ratio of 1.08. This prevalence was higher in the South and Nabatieh (1.9%) compared to Beirut (0.73%). Of 31,147 individuals screened, 64 had a rapid test positive for HCV (prevalence 0.21%, 95% CI 0.16-0.27) with a male to female ratio of 0.85. This prevalence was higher in Nabatieh (0.61%) compared to Mount Lebanon (0.08%).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of HBV and HCV in Lebanon is 1.74% and 0.21%, respectively with a higher prevalence in South and Nabatieh districts. These data rank Lebanon amongst countries with low endemicity for both viruses. Decrease in the prevalence of HBV is due to awareness campaign as well as success of the MOPH National Hepatitis Program in vaccinating all new born since 1998 and in screening and vaccinating high risk groups.