The prevalence of hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Calabar, Nigeria

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are viral infections that are transmitted through transfusion of unscreened blood products, needlestick injuries, and unprotected sex. This was a study to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B and HIV infection among pregnant women accessing antenatal care. Materials and Methods: Two ml of venous blood was also collected into ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid bottles for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and HIV test using a rapid diagnostic test kit following the standard algorithm of performing diagnosis. Results: Of the 250 participants examined for the presence of HBV and HIV among pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic in Calabar, 14 (5.6%) and 3 (1.2%) were positive for HBsAg and HIV. Participants aged 26-30 years had the highest prevalence of HBsAg 8 (7.0%) and participants aged 31-35 had the highest prevalence of HIV 1 (3.2%). The seroprevalence of HBsAg and HIV infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics by occupation shows that students had the highest infection rate of 3 (9%) and 2 (6%) for HBsAg and HIV. Of the 250 participants enrolled, the level of HIV and HBV awareness was 178 (71.2%) and 242 (96.8%), respectively. Conclusions: The study has revealed that the prevalence of HBV and HIV is on the increase among pregnant women, with a prevalence of 5.6% and 1.2%, respectively. General precautions need to be strictly adhered to in the hospital and particularly in blood transfusion and handling of sharps objects.