Seroprevalence of Malaria and Hepatitis B (HBsAg) with Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in General Hospital Minna, North-Central Nigeria
Published: 2012-12-29
Page: 83-88
Issue: 2012 - Volume 2 [Issue 4]
I. C. J. Omalu *
Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
A. Jibrin
Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
I. K. Olayemi
Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
S. C. Hassan
Dentistry Department, Niger State General Hospital, Minna 900002, Nigeria.
C. Mgbemena
Health Centre, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
A. Mgbemena
Department of Physiology/Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Nigeria.
L. A. Adeniran
Health Centre, Federal University of Technology, Minna, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: This study determines the antibody levels of Malaria and Hepatitis B and associated risk factors among pregnant women attending anti-natal Clinic at General Hospital Minna.
Study Design: The subjects were pregnant women who attended ante-natal clinic. Sample sizes were determined from the number of pregnant women that attended antenatal Clinic.
Place and Duration of Study: Samples were collected from the ante-natal Clinic of General Hospital Minna between July to November 2011.
Methodology: Samples were assayed for malaria and hepatitis B (HBsAg) by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Time and age of pregnancy were noted.
Results: Out of the 269 pregnant women screened 216(80.30%) were positive for malaria, 22(8.18%) for hepatitis B and 21(7.81%) were co-infection of malaria and hepatitis B and 10 were negative, while non-pregnant women had 51(51.00%), 8(8.00%) and 6(6.00%) for malaria, hepatitis B and co-infection of both out of 100 screened. There was a significant difference between pregnant and non-pregnant women both in malaria and hepatitis B at p<0.05. History of blood transfusion, Alcohol consumption and Use of contraceptives were significantly associated with hepatitis B and co-infection of both hepatitis B and malaria at p<0.05. Only history of blood transfusion was associated with malaria infection though not significant.
Conclusion: High prevalence of antibodies to malaria and hepatitis B is a matter of great concern considering the effect of these diseases on the foetus. Adequate measures need to be taken to treat and provide prophylactic measures.
Keywords: Hepatitis, malaria, antigen, alcohol, contraceptives