Seroprevalence, Importance of Rapid Testing and Factors Associated with HBsAg Carriage in Pregnancy in Three Referral Maternity Hospitals in Mono (Benin), in 2020

Abstract

Introduction Difficulties in accessing the screening test for viral hepatitis B in maternity wards could be a factor in underestimating the prevalence of anti-HBV antibodies. The rapid diagnostic orientation test (RDOT) could improve seroprevalence and obstetrical prognosis. The aim of this study was to use the rapid diagnostic orientation test (RDOT) to determine the seroprevalence of HBs antigen carriage in pregnant women while highlighting the associated factors. Methods This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study that took place from October to December 2020 (three months) in three (03) reference maternities in western Benin (Mono). Consenting pregnant women received in prenatal consultation had been screened by RDOT. Positive cases were confirmed by ELISA test. The follow-up of these cases made it possible to establish the obstetrical prognosis. Results Of 201 women studied, 11 (5.5%) were positive for RDOT HBV and confirmed by the ELISA test. The factors associated with HBsAg carriage during pregnancy were multiple sexual partnerships (p = 0.01), female circumcision (p = 0.0001), and ignorance of prior HBV serological status (p = 0.0001). No influence of hepatitis B on pregnancy was noted. Conclusion The seroprevalence of hepatitis B in pregnancy was intermediate in the reference maternities of western Benin. The associated factors were multiple sexual partnerships, female circumcision and unawareness of prior HBV status. Free RDOT in maternity wards would improve early detection and management of viral hepatitis B in pregnancy.