The Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Among Pregnant Women in Anambra State, Nigeria.

Human immunodeficiency (HIV) and hepatitis B (HIB) viruses are two distinct viruses that share mode of transmission and risk factors. To assess the seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and their co-infection among pregnant women in Anambra State, Nigeria. Sera samples from 1120 pregnant women aged 16-50 years attending ante-natal clinics in Awka between July, 2002 and July, 2003 were tested for HIV I and HIV2 and HbsAg.Ninety-sex(8.6%) of the women were seropositive for HIV, 104(9.3%) for HbsAg and 8(0.7%) for both HIV and HbsAg. The 96 HIV seropositives, 83(86.5%) were positive for HIV-1, 12(12.5%) for HIV-2 and 1(1.0%) for both HIV-1 & 2. Significant infection rates for HIV, HBV and HIV/HBV co-infection were associated with age groups; 16-20 years and 21-30 years, marital status and occupation of the subjects. The prevalence rates of the infections were inversely associated with increase in educational status. In conclusion both HIV and HBV are endemic in Nigeria and comutive testing of pregnant ladies are recommended.