The Prevalence of Hepatitis B Virus among Full-Term Mothers and their Infants at El-Obeid Teaching Hospital, Sudan

Abstract

Background: The Hepatitis B virus causes dangerous liver illness. Infected pregnant women can infect their newborns and develop fulminant HBV. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of Hepatitis B virus among pregnant women and their newborns. Methodology: The study involved 226 randomly selected women from January to March 2023. Results: The results showed that 4.9% of pregnant women had HBV infection, with Caesarean Section being a significant risk factor. Around 27.3% of infected mothers transmitted HBV to their newborns. The age group 26-30 years had the highest prevalence rate of HBsAg, with urban residents having the highest prevalence. Conclusion: Caesarean section and urban resident were the most risk factors for infection with HBV. The study recommends laboratory-based screening and prophylactic vaccines to eliminate HBV from the general population.