Prevalence of HBsAg carriers in pregnant women in Qazvin (2000-2001)

Abstract Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is transmitted from various ways including mother to fetus. The rate of transmission from mother to fetus will also increase if both HBsAg and HBeAg are positive. Objective: To determine the prevalence of HBsAg carriers in pregnant women in Qazvin. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out on pregnant women who were visited in prenatal clinic of Kosar hospital and private clinics during 2000-2001, and referred to Qazvin transfusion center for laboratory examination. Blood samples were taken from all cases and analyzed for detection of HBsAg by ELISA. In case of positive test for HBsAg, the serum sample was assayed for presence of HBeAg. A questionnaire was used to collect other information. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test. Findings: Study group consisted of 323 pregnant women, among them, eleven (3.4%) were HBsAg+ with no positive result for HBeAg. Positive HBsAg showed a significant relationship with hepatitis history (p<0.001), history of hepatitis in relatives (p=0.033), background diseases (p=0.028), and the history of addiction in partner (p=0.034). No significant relationship was found with other risk factors such as (history of abortion, dental operations, transfusion, traveling aboard, first pregnancy, contraception, and second marriage). Conclusion: In cases of significant risk factors (history of hepatitis in pregnant women or their relatives, background diseases, and the presence of addiction in partners), screening test has special necessity. We recommend retesting of high risk pregnant women in their 3rd semester whose primary tests are negative.