Maternal and neonatal seroprevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in Tripoli, Libya

Authors

  • Hamida El-Magrahe Faculty of Medicine, Al-Fateh University from Medical Sciences, Tripoli, Libya
  • Abdul Rahaman Furarah Faculty of Medicine, Al-Fateh University from Medical Sciences, Tripoli, Libya
  • Kheiria El-Figih Faculty of Medicine, Al-Fateh University from Medical Sciences, Tripoli, Libya
  • Sued El-Urshfany Faculty of Medicine, Al-Fateh University from Medical Sciences, Tripoli, Libya
  • Khalifa Sifaw Ghenghesh Faculty of Medicine, Al-Fateh University from Medical Sciences, Tripoli, Libya

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3855/jidc.609

Keywords:

Hepatitis B, Seroprevalence, Maternal transmission, Tripoli, Libya

Abstract

Background: Pregnant women with Hepatitis B virus HBV represent a major reservoir of the virus in the community. Data regarding the prevalence of HBV in pregnant women and maternal transmission of the virus in Libya are lacking.

Methodology: Hepatitis blood samples from 1,500 pregnant women and 1,500 cord blood samples of their neonates delivered at Tripoli Medical Center, Tripoli, were tested for HBsAg by ELISA technique. HBsAg-positive samples were also tested for HBeAg.

Results: HBsAg was detected in 1.5% (23/1,500) pregnant women and in 0.9% (14/1,500) neonates. Although HBsAg was detected at higher rate in pregnant women aged > 25 years [1.8% (22/1,235)] than in pregnant women aged < 25 years [0.4% (1/265)], the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). All HBsAg-positive neonates were born to HBsAg-positive mothers with a rate of maternal transmission at 60.9% (14/23). HBeAg was detected in 21.7% (5/23) and in 7.1% (1/14) of HBsAg-positive pregnant women and neonates, respectively.

Conclusions: Because of the high risk of developing chronic HBV infection at birth among infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers, administration of HBIG in combination with hepatitis B vaccine as post-exposure prophylaxis for such infants is of paramount importance. In addition, universal HBsAg screening of all pregnant women will greatly assist in reducing the maternal transmission of HBV in the country.


Downloads

Published

2010-03-09

How to Cite

1.
El-Magrahe H, Furarah AR, El-Figih K, El-Urshfany S, Ghenghesh KS (2010) Maternal and neonatal seroprevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in Tripoli, Libya. J Infect Dev Ctries 4:168–170. doi: 10.3855/jidc.609

Issue

Section

Brief Original Articles