Seroprevalence of HIV-1, HBV, HTLV-1 and Treponema pallidum among pregnant women in a rural hospital in Southern Ethiopia

Abstract Background Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), hepatitis B virus (HBV), human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and Treponema pallidum represent major public health problems in sub-Saharan countries. These infections can be transmitted from mother to children and may cause severe morbidities in their offspring. Ethiopia is among the countries where HIV-1, HBV and T. pallidum infections are highly prevalent. However, information on seroprevalence of these infections among antenatal care attendees is very scarce and the majority of studies have been conducted in pregnant women from urban areas. Objectives To determine the seroprevalence of HIV-1, HBV, HTLV-1 and T. pallidum infections among pregnant women in a rural hospital in Southern Ethiopia. Study design A cross-sectional study was conducted among consecutive pregnant women attending a mother and child clinic in August 2008. Results A total of 165 pregnant women were included. The seroprevalence of HIV-1 was 1.8% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.6–5.2%), and for HBV (HBsAg seropositivity) was 6.1% (95% CI: 3.3–10.8%). Co-infection with HIV-1 and HBV was detected in one patient (prevalence: 0.6%; 95% CI: 0.1–3.4%). No cases of HTLV-1 infection and syphilis were found (95% CI: 0–2.3%). Conclusions A far from negligible percentage of pregnant women from rural areas harbour HBV, and to a lesser extent, HIV-1 infections. Continuing efforts to strengthen the existing health education program and comprehensive screening for all pregnant women are necessary to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HBV and HIV-1.