PREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B INFECTION IN MARRIED WOMEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE IN DISTRICT ISLAMABAD

Abstract

Background: Mother to infant transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) represents a major factor in maintaining chronic infection and depends on the degree of maternal infectivity status. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus surface antibodies (HBsAb) and surface antigen (HBsAg) and e antigen (HBeAg) among married women of child bearing age in district Islamabad.
Material & Methods: It was a cross-sectional, community-based, sero-epidemiological survey. About 3cc blood samples of 277 healthy women of reproductive age group were collected after informed consent. A questionnaire was filled which included information about the socio-demographic parameters, place & mode of birth, hepatitis B vaccination status, HBV vaccination, any household with HBV infection and reasons for not having HBV vaccination. The samples were tested for Hepatitis B surface antibodies and Hepatitis B surface antigens by MEIA “Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay technique”. All HBsAg-positive samples were also tested for HBeAg to see active replicating virus.
Results: Out of 277 samples, 39(14.07%) were found positive for anti HBs. Twenty nine (10.46%) were positive for HBsAg out of which 3(1.08%) were positive for HBeAg. Mean age was 29.81 years (21-42 years).
Conclusions: 14.07% females of district Islamabad were found positive for anti HBs showing past exposure to HBV with recovery and/or immunity. 10.46% women were positive for HBsAg showing exposure to HBV and about 10% women in this HBsAg positive group were also positive for HBeAg showing highly infective stage with active replicating virus where chances to virus transmission to the newborn are almost 90% .(if the women is pregnant).