Hepatitis B in Pregnant Females. A Cross Sectional Study in Nile Delta, Egypt

Abstract Background &Aim:Hepatitis B infection is a worldwide health problem. Egypt classified as an area of intermediate endemicity. Hepatitis B has high materno-fetal transmission. The aim of this study was to assess hepatitis B virus infection in Egyptian pregnant females in Nile Delta as regards risk factors and magnitude of the problem.Methods:This cross sectional study was performed on 1948 pregnant females. Historical and sociodemographic data were collected through short simple questionnaire. They were screened for hepatitis B surface antigens. Positive ones were subjected to test hepatitis B e antigen and viral load by real time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Thirty patients (1.54%) were hepatitis B surface antigen positive. Only two of them (6.67%) were hepatitis B e antigen positive with high viral load. Others were hepatitis B e antigen negative and low viral load. Family history of hepatitis B, occupation, age more than 27 years, and history of surgical or dental procedures were significant risk factors associated with hepatitis B acquisition.Conclusion: Screening for hepatitis B is important as a part of antenatal care mainly in the presence of risk factors to follow up mother, and protect fetus so as to prevent wide spread of hepatitis B in Egypt.