Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C among HIV Infected Pregnant Women Attending Care and Treatment at National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, Nigeria

Introduction: Viral Hepatitis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are most common top ranking leading causes of infectious diseases and deaths worldwide. If these infections, remain unidentified and untreated among HIV infected pregnant women, children born to these pregnant women are at high risk of these viral hepatitis infections.

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the sero-prevalence of HBV and HCV among HIV infected pregnant women in Abuja, Nigeria.

Methodology: A cross sectional study among 330 HIV infected pregnant women commencing antiretroviral therapy (ART) at National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Abuja, Nigeria were studied. The women were screened for the presence of HBV and HCV antibodies. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to obtain socio-demographic data prior to recruitment/enrollment. Data were analyzed using statistical product and service solutions (SPSS) (version 20.0).

Results: Out of the 330 HIV infected pregnant women, 90 (27.3%) were HBV positive, while 5 (1.5%) were HCV positive (p = 0.42). The highest prevalence was observed among the age group of 20 – 29. However, none of the patients tested positive for both HBV and HCV.

Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that infection with viral hepatitis is common and of public health concern. Therefore, concerted efforts should be put in place to mitigate the epidemics.