Prevalence of Hbs Ag & Anti HCV in Pregnant Ladies Attending Antenatal Clinic at Sheikh Zayed Medical Complex, Rahim Yar Khan

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B & C viruses are related to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and
hepatocellular carcinoma. Their modes of transmission are mainly parenteral and vertical (HBV).
Attempt has been made to assess the prevalence of these viruses in pregnant women, who
attended antenatal clinic at Sheikh Zayed Medical Complex, Rahim Yar Khan.
Subjects & Methods: Four hundred & fifty pregnant women, who came for their antenatal
checkup at OPD Sheikh Zayed Medical Complex Rahim Yar Khan, were included in the study. To
st avoid duplication, the women on their next visits were not included. Study duration was from 1
th rd January to 30 June 2006. All the cases were screened for HBsAg & Anti HCV by 3 generation
ELISA method. Positive cases for HBsAg were advised to have active as well as passive
immunization of their new born babies within 24 hours, (preferably within 12 hours) of birth. Anti
HCV positive ladies were guided to proceed for HCV-RNA detection by PCR technique to
diagnose the active disease.
Results: Out of 450 cases, 82 (18.2%) were Anti HCV positive, 54 cases (12.0%) were found
HBsAg positive. Combined infection of both HBV & HCV was found in 13 (2.9%) cases.
Conclusion: HBV & HCV infections are alarmingly high in the screened group of population in
the area. Proper evaluation of modes of transmission is needed for control and prevention. All
pregnant ladies should be screened at least for HBsAg and neonates, born to HBsAg positive
mothers, should be subjected to active as well as passive immunization to minimize the vertical
transmission of HBV. All anti-HCV positive ladies who are negative for HBsAg should be
vaccinated for Hepatitis B to avoid co-infection, which is multifold dangerous for liver, as
compared to single HBV or HCV infection