Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus in a semirural population in Egypt

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Published on: November 7, 2018

Y A Ghaffar1, M K elSobky, A A Raouf

  • 1Department of Medicine, Ain Shams University.

The Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
|February 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission from mothers to babies was studied in Egypt. Maternal factors like education and schistosomiasis significantly impacted HBV transmission, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern.
  • Vertical transmission from mothers to newborns is a primary route of HBV infection.
  • Understanding transmission dynamics in specific populations is crucial for effective prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the rate and risk factors of mother-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in a semirural Egyptian population.
  • To identify demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors influencing HBV transmission.
  • To assess the long-term outcomes of HBV infection in infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers.

Main Methods:

  • A one-year follow-up study was conducted on 35 infants born to Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers.
  • Infants were monitored for HBsAg positivity at birth, 3, 6, and 12 months.
  • Data on maternal educational level, socioeconomic status, e/anti-e status, parasitic infestations (including schistosomiasis), and other factors were collected and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • HBsAg positivity was detected in 24% of infants at birth, increasing to 37% by 12 months.
  • Maternal educational level, socioeconomic status, family residence, maternal e/anti-e status, and maternal schistosomiasis were significant risk factors for transmission.
  • Infants born to mothers with both HBsAg and schistosomiasis showed a high transmission rate (80%). Maternal age, non-schistosomal parasitic infestations, transaminase levels, birth order, and feeding type did not significantly affect transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Mother-to-child transmission of HBV is a substantial issue in the studied Egyptian population.
  • Maternal schistosomiasis and socioeconomic factors play a critical role in HBV transmission.
  • Targeted interventions focusing on maternal health, education, and socioeconomic improvement are essential to reduce HBV transmission.

Keywords:
AfricaAge FactorsArab CountriesBiologyCommunicable Diseases--transmissionDemographic FactorsDeveloping CountriesDiseasesEconomic FactorsEgyptFamily And HouseholdFamily CharacteristicsFamily RelationshipsFetusFollow-up StudiesHealthHepatic Effects--transmissionInfectionsMaternal AgeMaternal HealthMaternal-fetal ExchangeMediterranean CountriesMothersNorthern AfricaParental AgeParentsPhysiologyPopulationPopulation CharacteristicsPregnancyReproductionResearch MethodologyRural PopulationSocioeconomic FactorsSocioeconomic StatusStudiesUrban Population

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