Open AccessSero-prevalence of Hepatitis B virus among middle to high socio-economic antenatal population in Sierra Leone
Author(s) -
IM Wurie,
A T Wurie,
SM Gevao
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
west african journal of medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 0189-160X
DOI - 10.4314/wajm.v24i1.28156
Subject(s) - sierra leone , medicine , hepatitis b virus , population , seroprevalence , hepatitis b , demography , environmental health , vaccination , hepatitis a virus , pediatrics , socioeconomics , virology , immunology , virus , serology , antibody , sociology
This study was designed in order to find out the prevalence of HBV markers amongst pregnant women of middle and high socio-economic class in Sierra Leone. The aim was to determine the necessity and likely benefits of a scheme aimed at the vaccination of children of seropositive mothers who can afford the cost until mass immunisation is possible. A total of 302 women were studied. The seroprevalence rate formed in this study population was 6.2%. The proposed intervention would markedly reduce the HBV status in Sierra Leone, taking into account the high prevalent rate amongst this group. The low anti-HBs found in this population was suprisingly (5.1%); considering the high degree of antigenemia, this should be a subject for future research.