Seroprevalence of HBV infection in pregnant women attending teaching rural hospital

Background: HBV infection is major public health problem worldwide, it causes hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Viral hepatitis during pregnancy is associated with a high risk of maternal complications, has a high rate of vertical transmission causing fetal and neonatal hepatitis, and has been reported as a leading cause of maternal mortality. So early detection of HBV infection with the help of seromarker HbsAg, can help in preventing the maternal as well as fetal complications. Aims and Objectives: To determine seromarker of HBV infection in pregnant women attending teaching rural hospital in Pune. Materials and Methods: A total of 178 pregnant women who were attending teaching rural hospital, serum sample were tested for HbsAg. Results/Observations: Seroprevalence of HBV was found 8.99% in pregnant women. It was more common (50%) in 18--23 years of age group and during (93.75%) third trimester. Conclusion: Even though the results indicate that this rural area is of low seroprevalence, here is a need of prophylactic vaccination of pregnant women and passive immunization with Immunoglobulins of newborn as well so as to avoid maternal and fetal complications. So early screening and prevention of HBV infection is the need of time.