Hepatitis B and C Virus, Human Immunodeficiency Virus Co-infection among Pregnant Women in Semi-rural Health District, Cameroon

Abstract Background In Cameroon, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B (HBV) and C virus (HCV) are highly endemic to the pregnant woman. These viruses pose a high risk of vertical transmission and have been reported as the most important causes of maternal mortality. The aim objective of this study was to determine the hepatitis B, C and HIV virus co-infection among pregnant women in the Bafia health district.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from may to july 2018 in 145 pregnant women attending the health district of Bafia. HIV was diagnosed and confirmed using the Determine and Oraquick HIV1/2, HBV by NOVA test (HBV Multi Panel One Step) and HCV by ACCURATE test. Statistical analysis was performed using the Epi info software version 7.2.1.0. Furthermore, statistical association was performed using Odds Ratio (OR) and Fisher Exact test where appropriate, with corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). The probability was considered statistical significant for all values p<0.05.Results The average age was 25 ± 5.96 years and the seroprevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV was 6.90% (10/145), 10.34% (15/145) and 33.79% (49/145), respectively. Those aged 24-32 years had peaks of infection, with 9.84% (6/61) and 45.90% (28/61) of HIV, Odds Ratio (OR): 2.18 [95%CI: 0.58-8.09], p= 0.39 and HCV, OR: 2.54 [95%CI: 1.25-5.15], p= 0.008 respectively. However, the peak of HBV (HBsAg) infection (35.29% [6/17]) was in the age group 33-41 years, p= 0.001 and carriage rate of HBeAg was only observed in those aged 15-23 years (5.97% [4/67], p=0.30). No cases of co-infection were observed between HBsAg carrier rates (p= 0.56), HBeAg (p= 0.65) and HIV. Meanwhile, 10.20% (5/49) of pregnant women were co-infected with HCV/HIV, OR: 2.06 [95%CI: 0.56-7.51], p= 0.26 and this co-infection was observed among those aged 24-32 years (8.20% [5/61], p= 0.02).Conclusion Seroprevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV in pregnant women remain high in the Bafia health district, reflecting a significant risk of vertical transmission, especially HIV/HCV co-infection. The prevention strategies of these three viruses would primarily target pregnant women aged over 24 years in health care areas with a typology similar to that of Bafia.