Prevalence of Serologic Markers and Risk Factors for Hepatitis B Virus among Pregnant Women in Brazzaville, Congo

Background Viral hepatitis B is widespread globally and fetomaternal infection transmission is a major public health problem. Few studies are available on HBV vertical transmission infection in Brazzaville. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HBV markers and risk factors in pregnant women. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out from January to September 2014 among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Brazzaville. Relevant demographics and infectious risk factors were obtained. HBV serological markers were evaluated for HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBe, anti-HBs, anti-HBc using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Of a total of 437 women tested, 38 were positive for HBsAg (8.7 %), 15 (3.4 %) HBeAg, and 41 (9.4 %) for AcHBe. The anti-HBs and anti-HBc were positive in 96 (22 %) and 287 (65.7 %) cases respectively. The main significant risk factors were piercings (adjusted OR = 3.16, 95 % CI 1.48-6.73), risky sexual behavior (AOR = 45.32, 95 % CI 3.22 to 638.47), family history (AOR = 2.17, 95 % CI 1.07-4.12) and scarification (AOR = 3.84, 95 % CI 1.53-9.66). Conclusion Our results show a high frequency of HBV infection markers in pregnant women in Brazzaville. Screening for HBV and systematic implementation of vaccination programs should be considered in pregnant women to prevent HBV vertical transmission.