Abstract

Ajayi Akande Oladimeji, Ade-Ojo Idowu Pius , Ajayi Ebenezer Adekunle, Adegun Patrick Temi, Ojo Abiodun, Aduloju Olusola Peter, Olofinbiyi Babatunde

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a worldwide public health problem. It is endemic in many regions of the world including Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of HBV infection and the risk factors in pregnant women accessing antenatal care at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Southwest Nigeria. 1627 pregnant women who attended the antenatal clinic at EKSUTH from May 2009- April 2010 were recruited into this study. Each patient was tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and those positive were further tested for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg). The seroprevalence of HBsAg in pregnant women in this study was 3.9%. The highest prevalence was found in the age group 26-30 years. Risk factors identified included previous histories of surgical procedures, delivery outside the hospital and blood transfusion. Due of the high risk of developing chronic HBV infection among infants born to HBsAg –positive mothers, administration of HBIG in combination with hepatitis B vaccine as post-exposure prophylaxis is of paramount importance. Universal free HBsAg screening for all pregnant women and women of child bearing age in Nigeria is advocated.