A STUDY ON SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS B SURFACE ANTIGEN IN ANTENATAL WOMEN ATTENDING A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Introduction: Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) occurs worldwide and constitutes a major public health problem. Perinatal transmission is one of the commonest modes of HBV transmission worldwide. Transmission of HBV from carrier mothers to their babies can occur during the perinatal period, and appears to be the most important factor in determining the prevalence of infection in high endemicity areas. Objectives: To know the seroprevalence of HBV in antenatal women. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted from January 2015 to December 2015. Antenatal women of 17yrs ? 45yrs were included in the study. HBsAg detection was done by immunochromatographic method. Results: Among total 6982 Antenatal women, half of them were in the age group of 21yrs ? 25yrs (3553; 50.88%). The mean age of HBsAg seropositivity was 26.05yrs ± 5.24yrs. The median age in overall cases as well as among seropositives was 25yrs. Highest seroprevalence was seen in the age group of 31yrs ? 40yrs (2.51%). HBV seroprevalence was 1.30%. Conclusion: The finding of HBsAg seropositivity in pregnant women in the present study supports that antenatal screening for HBsAg is a helpful strategy for the prevention of vertical transmission of HBV infection and the carrier state of infants.