Pattern and risk factors for partner infection with hepatitis B virus in a prevention of mother-to-child transmission programme.

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is horizontally and vertically transmitted. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality but is preventable with vaccine. There is paucity of data on pattern and risk factors for partner infection in prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) programmes.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pattern and risk factors for partner infection with HBV in a PMTCT Programme.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study evaluated the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) serostatus of partners of HBV-infected pregnant women in a PMTCT programme using rapid, third generation immunochromatographic test. Repeatedly reactive samples were confirmed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients' sociodemographic characteristics and behavioral risk factors were evaluated against their HBsAg-serostatus. The seropositive and seronegative subjects had liver function tests HBV vaccination respectively.

RESULTS

Out of 3,907 pregnant women seen, 3,762(96.3%) and 73 (45.3%) partners of 161 HBV-infected women were screened. The HBsAg seroprevalence among the women and partners were 161(4.3%) and 5(6.8%) respectively; p<0.43. The sero-concordance and discordance were 6.8% and 93.2% respectively. Nulliparity (60.9%) associated with non-protective pre-marital sex and induced abortions (58.4%), history of blood transfusion (6.7%) and lack of vaccination (93.6%) were risk factors for HBV-infection.

CONCLUSION

This study has revealed high prevalence of HBV infection among the couples and high serodiscordance rate. The risk factors for HBV infection were preventable. We recommend integration of couple counseling and testing backed with vaccination into antennal care services nationwide. Further study is required to assess the serostatus of female partners' of HBV-infected males to determine HBV feminization.