Volume : 2, Issue : 4, April - 2013

Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Asymptomatic Pregnant Women – A Report from Chennai South India

Dhevahi. E , S, Nayak H K, Malathi. S, Thyagarajan, Sp

Abstract :

HBV as the major causative agent for chronic viral hepatitis in adults and children. Authenticated documentation on hepatitis B virus related pregnancy hepatitis in asymptomatic virus infected mothers and the impact of prevention has not been updated. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of chronic HBV infection among antenatal women. 5042 asymptomatic healthy pregnant women in age group of 17 to 40 attending antenatal clinic of major centers were screened for HBV infection. Results: The overall HBsAg prevalence was 5.4% (276/5042) among asymptomatic pregnant women and was almost evenly distributed between the three trimesters. Hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg) was positive in 14.7% (41/276), and 57.2% (158/276) were anti HBe positive. Hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) was positive in 93.3% (28/30) amongst women who were HBeAg positive indicating high vertical transmission rate. Conclusion: Overall prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection in pregnancy was 5.4%, is not uncommon in pregnancy; a significant number are HBeAg negative.