TITLE:
Immunological Status to Hepatitis B Virus of Pregnant Women in Dakar, Senegal
AUTHORS:
Maguette Sylla Niang, Khadidiatou Sarr Fall, Babacar Mbengue, Moustapha Mbow, Ndiokhor Nd. Diouf, Ousseynou Boye, Gora Lo, Papa Madieye Guèye, Rena Derwiche, Amina Sow Sall, Tandakha Ndiaye Dieye, Alioune Dieye
KEYWORDS:
HBs Ag, Pregnancy, Senegal
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Immunology,
Vol.7 No.2,
June
30,
2017
ABSTRACT: Objective: Evaluate the immunological status to hepatitis B virus of Senegalese pregnant women by screening HBs antigen. Material and methods: The selection criteria of women were presence at the laboratory for biological exams of pregnancy follow-up. All volunteers for the study were screened for HBs antigen (HBs Ag). Investigation of chronic hepatitis B markers (HBe Ag, anti-HBe, viral quantification) was performed in HBs Ag positive participants. The concentration of anti-HBs antibodies was assessed in HBs Ag negative women. Results: One hundred and fifteen (115) pregnant women were included in the study from July to October 2014. The mean age was 29 ± 6 years, ranging from 16 to 47. The seroprevalence of HBs Ag was 12% and the majority of women (90%) were not vaccinated. Any of the 14 HBs Ag-positive subjects did not express serum HBe Ag, (marker of active viral replication) and all were positive for anti-HBe antibodies. Their viral load (HBV DNA) was undetectable and serum transaminases were normal. The anti-HBs antibodies titrated in HBs-Ag negative women serum revealed that only 46 had protective levels against HBV whilst 55 of them were unprotected.