INFECTIOUS DISEASE SCREENING IN PREGNANCY: ASSESSING SEROPREVALENCE OF HCV, HBV, HIV, SYPHILIS, AND RUBELLA IN KARACHI, PAKISTAN
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Keywords
Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, HIV, Rubella, Syphilis, Pregnancy, Seroprevalence
Abstract
Background: The vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), rubella, and syphilis poses significant public health concerns. This study aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of these infections among pregnant women.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women who visited the Clinical Pathology Laboratory at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, Pakistan, between January and April 2021. Data were collected through a questionnaire assessing demographics and related risk factors. Blood samples were tested for HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, rubella, and syphilis using the chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay method. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.
Results: Out of 560 pregnant women screened, 0.7% tested positive for hepatitis B, 1.6% for HCV, and 100% were negative for HIV and syphilis. Rubella IgG positivity was 85%, with 99% negative for rubella IgM. Ethnic distribution showed 58% Urdu speakers, followed by Pashto (10%) and Sindhi (7.5%). Previous birth history revealed 69% had more than one birth, and 16% reported blood transfusions, with older women having a higher prevalence (p = 0.005). Significant variation in gestational age distribution was observed (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: In conclusion, the seroprevalence of rubella IgG was high, while infections such as HCV, HBV, and rubella IgM were less prevalent among pregnant women, with no cases of HIV or syphilis detected. This highlights the importance of routine prenatal screening for vertical transmission prevention. Effective immunization and treatment strategies are essential to minimize these infections' impact on maternal and neonatal health.
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Dr. Amtul Quddos Latif
Associate Professor Pathology, Main Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC), Karachi, Pakistan
Dr. Humera Shahzad
Assistant Professor Pathology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute (BMSI), JPMC, JSMU Karachi, Pakistan
Dr. Kauser Saldera
Associate Professor Physiology, Basic Medical Sciences Institute (JPMC), Karachi, Pakistan
Dr. Shazia Bhutto
Medical officer, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi, Pakistan
Dr. Naeema Asghar Memon
Assistant Professor Department of Community Medicine Shaheed Muhtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical College, Lyari, Karachi, Pakistan
Dr. Erum Amir
Assistant Professor Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Karachi Medical and Dental College (KMDC), Karachi, Pakistan