Epidemiology of hepatitis B and C viruses among pregnant women at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre Malawi
Journal article
Authors | Nkhata, C. B., Stockdale, A. J., Mvula M. N., Kalongonda, M. M., Masamba, M. and Shawa, I. |
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Abstract | Background Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among consecutive pregnant women attending routine antenatal care, and/or admitted at QECH in last quarter of 2021. Of the 114 pregnant women, 84 women consented to participate. Serum was tested for HBsAg and Anti-HCV markers using rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and compared to Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Results Of the 84 consenting pregnant women, the median age was 25.0 years (IQR: 21.0, 33.0). Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected in 6.0% (n=5/84, 95% CI: 0.03–6.4) of participants using ELISA and in 1.2% (0.2-6.4; n=1/84), using RDTs, while none tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies. There were no significant associations between HBV infection and any of the socio-demographic characteristics or assessed risk factors. Conclusion The prevalence of HBV (6%) and HCV (0%) in this population was lower than reported in previous studies of the general Malawian population, where HBV seroprevalence was estimated at 8.1% and HCV below 1%. We highlight potential underdiagnosis using RDTs for HBV, an ongoing significant rate of HBV infection, and a very low prevalence of HCV. Accessible screening and treatment for all positive pregnant women remains essential to eliminate vertical transmission. |
Keywords | Viral hepatitis; Pentavalent; Triple-test; Pregnant women; Hepatitis B vaccine |
Year | 2025 |
Journal | Malawi Medical Journal (MMJ) |
ISSN | 1995-7262 |
Publisher's version | File Access Level Controlled |
Output status | Published |
Publication dates | |
Online | 18 Sep 2025 |
Publication process dates | |
Deposited | 03 Oct 2025 |
https://repository.derby.ac.uk/item/v0yzy/epidemiology-of-hepatitis-b-and-c-viruses-among-pregnant-women-at-queen-elizabeth-central-hospital-qech-blantyre-malawi
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