AbstractContext: Hepatitis B Virus infection is one of a serious public health problem worldwide and it is 50±100 times more contagious than HIV. Many of the carriers do not realize that they are infected with the virus rendering the HBV to be known as a “silent killer”. The transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is parenteral, sexual and perinatal. Prevention of vertical transmission of HBV is extremely important, because HBV infection in early life usually results in a chronic carrier state. Aim: To study the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface Antigen (HBsAg) positive among pregnant women referred to Department of Microbiology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences during the study period. Materials and Methods: The study is a prospective study conducted by collecting blood samples from 3223 antenatal women with age ranging from 21-30 years, attending the department of Microbiology during the study period. Screening of HBs Ag was done by rapid immunochromatographic method. Results: Out of 3223 antenatal women screened 48 were positive accounting for 1.49%. In the age group of 21-25 years 34 (1.45%), 26-30 years 13 (1.92%) and 31-35 years one (0.5%) antenatal women were positive The highest prevalence was observed in the age group 26- 30 years (1.92%). Conclusion: HBV during pregnancy is associated with a high risk of maternal complications, has a high rate of vertical transmission. The study suggests expansion of the Hepatitis B vaccination program to reduce the risk of HBV among pregnant women.
Keywords: Hepatitis B Virus; Antenatal Women; HBsAg; Universal Immunisation Programme.