BackgroundVertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is known to be the most common cause of perinatal infection. Purpose of the study The aim of the study was to demonstrate the prevalence and possible risk factors for HBV infection among pregnant women in upper Egypt and to target women for postpartum immunization. Patients and methods A total of 294 pregnant Egyptian women were consecutively recruited from outpatients' clinic of women healthcare center of Assiut University hospital. Clinical evaluation and questionnaire about risk factors for HBV transmission were performed. Blood samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), antibody against hepatitis B surface (anti-HBs), and antibody against hepatitis B core (anti-HBc).Positive samples for HBsAg were tested for hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) and quantitative PCR for HBV. Newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers were tested for HBsAg immediately after labor and 9 months later. Passive-active immunization was given to newborns of HBsAg-positive mothers. ResultsThe prevalence of HBsAg among pregnant women was 4.8%. Target women for postpartum vaccination were 82.3% (those with negative anti-HBs). PCR for HBV was positive in 50% of HBsAg-positive pregnant women. None of the newborns of infected mothers were positive for HBsAg at birth and after 9 months. Previous blood transfusion, HBV infection in the family, and family history of liver disease were significant predictive factors for HBV infection in univariate analysis among Egyptian pregnant women. HBV infection in the family was the only independent predictor for HBV infection among pregnant women. ConclusionThere is an intermediate prevalence (4.8%) of HBV infection among upper Egyptian pregnant women. Family history of HBV infection is the only independent risk factor for HBV infection among pregnant women. Passive-active immunization to newborns of infected mothers resulted in 100% reduction of perinatal HBV infection.
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