Prevalence of HBsAg and HCV Infection in Pregnant Females of Lahore

This study was designed to detect the prevalence of Hepatitis B & C infection in pregnant females of Lahore. This study was held from May 2014 to September 2014 in the department of Gynaecology, Jinnah hospital, Lahore. Blood samples were collected from hospitalized pregnant women and tested for anti HCV antibodies and HBsAg by means of Immunochromatographic (ICT) test device. Informed written consent was taken from the patients. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 19.200 women were tested for Hepatitis B & C. The prevalence of Hepatitis B and C in pregnant females was found to be 1.5 % and 12.5 % respectively. Route of transmission of these deadly viruses is by contaminated injections, blood transfusions and surgical operations and these infections can transfer from mother to infant. We conclude from this study that prevalence of Hepatitis C is more in pregnant females as compared to the prevalence of Hepatitis C in general population which is around 5 %. So it is of prime importance to screen pregnant females for Hepatitis B & C infections to prevent serious outcomes of these infections in the mother and the fetus.