Sero-prevalence of hepatitis B virus among middle to high socio-economic antenatal population in Sierra Leone

West Afr J Med. 2005 Jan-Mar;24(1):18-20. doi: 10.4314/wajm.v24i1.28156.

Abstract

This study was designed in order to find out the prevalence of HBV markers amongst pregnant women of middle and high socio-economic class in Sierra Leone. The aim was to determine the necessity and likely benefits of a scheme aimed at the vaccination of children of seropositive mothers who can afford the cost until mass immunisation is possible. A total of 302 women were studied. The seroprevalence rate formed in this study population was 6.2%. The proposed intervention would markedly reduce the HBV status in Sierra Leone, taking into account the high prevalent rate amongst this group. The low anti-HBs found in this population was suprisingly (5.1%); considering the high degree of antigenemia, this should be a subject for future research.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / epidemiology*
  • Hepatitis B / immunology
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / blood
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / blood
  • Hepatitis B virus / isolation & purification*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sierra Leone / epidemiology
  • Social Class*
  • Socioeconomic Factors

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens