HBsAg Seroprevalence in Pregnant Women at the Maternity Ward of the Military Medical-surgical Center of Bamako

Abstract

Objective: The objective was to study the seroprevalence of HBsAg in pregnant women in the maternity ward of the medical-surgical center of the armed forces in Bamako. Methodology: This was a descriptive longitudinal study from November 2023 to June 2024, conducted at the Maternity Ward of the Bamako Armed Forces Medical-Surgical Center. Results: During our study, 1,095 pregnant women were seen at the ANC, of ​​whom 800 patients were screened for HBsAg, representing a prevalence of 73.05%. Of these 800 pregnant women screened for this marker, 75 tested positive, representing a prevalence of 9.37%. The mean age of our patients was 26.6 +/- 7.5 years, with a range of 18 to 45 years. Our patients were multiparous in 34.7% of cases. 58.7% of these women were housewives, and 32% were not in school. Fifty-six percent of pregnant women had their first ANC between 12 and 24 weeks of gestation, and 10.6% had a family history of liver disease. Tattoos and piercings were the most common risk factors associated with HBsAg carriage. Clinical alarms were absent in 100% of cases. Hepatic cytolysis was found in 5.6%; anemia was present in 21.1% of cases; HBeAg viral replication was found in 6.6% of cases, and viral load was elevated in 44.4% of cases. Abdominal ultrasound was normal in 93.4% of cases, and fibrosis was significant according to the APRI score in 2.8% of cases. Chronic HBeAg-negative infection was 91.8%, and serovaccination was absent in 8.5% of our newborns. Our patients' partners did not agree to screening in 72% of cases. Conclusion: Its prevalence among pregnant women remains high. This infection primarily affects housewives, particularly young adults. Early prevention of mother-to-child transmission of the hepatitis B virus contributes to improved maternal and fetal health.