Epidemiology of hepatitis B and C viruses among pregnant women at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre Malawi

Journal article


Nkhata, C. B., Stockdale, A. J., Mvula M. N., Kalongonda, M. M., Masamba, M. and Shawa, I. 2025. Epidemiology of hepatitis B and C viruses among pregnant women at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), Blantyre Malawi. Malawi Medical Journal (MMJ).
AuthorsNkhata, C. B., Stockdale, A. J., Mvula M. N., Kalongonda, M. M., Masamba, M. and Shawa, I.
Abstract

Background
Viral Hepatitis is a serious public health concern globally with an estimated 1.3 million deaths annually due to hepatitis B and C viruses. Prevention of mother to child transmission is a critical step toward elimination of hepatitis B and C. The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HBV and HCV among pregnant women at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.

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.

KeywordsViral hepatitis; Pentavalent; Triple-test; Pregnant women; Hepatitis B vaccine
Year2025
JournalMalawi Medical Journal (MMJ)
ISSN1995-7262
Publisher's version
File Access Level
Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online18 Sep 2025
Publication process dates
Deposited03 Oct 2025
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