868 The Prevalence of HBs Antigen and Anti-HBs Antibody Among Pregnant Women in Fars Province, Southern Of Iran

Background and Aims Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem. Vertical transmission is a route of HBV infection that is regarded as a considerable factor in HBV prevention program all over the world. This study was conducted to screen the hepatitis B antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B surface anti body (Anti-HBs Ab) in pregnant women in Fars province southern of Iran. Methods From September to October 2009, two hundred fifty pregnant women in Zeynabieh hospital of Shiraz were recruited consecutively to this study at the time of their delivery. Sera were examined for the detection of HBsAg and Anti-HBs Ab using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Different demographic data (i.e. age, nationality, vaccination and family history of HBV infection) were investigated to determine the presence or absence of HBsAg and Anti-HBs Ab. Results Among 250 subjects the prevalence of HBsAg and Anti-HBs Ab were 1.2% and 50% respectively. Demographic data that showed significant association with prevalence of HBsAg were family history of HBV infection (X 2 =7.735, p=0.05), age (X 2=3.762, p=0.05) and nationality (X2=5.41, p=0.02). Conclusions Findings of this study recommend the necessity of HBsAg screening test for pregnant women especially for those younger than 25 years and with the family history of HBV infection and also for immigrants.