Results and analysis of research on HBsAg in pregnant women at a health center over 4 years

: Vertical transmission of hepatitis B is the primary means of acquiring the disease by new carriers. The Cartuja Health Center performs systemic screening of pregnant women subjects as possible carriers. The purpose of the study is to determine the prevalence of pregnant carriers, seroepidemiological characteristics and intervention guidelines followed. We reviewed 454 pregnant women with serology performed between 1986 and 1989, including factors such as age, race, HBV serology, risk, and subsequent prevention. We calculated the prevalence of carriers. Moreover, we compared the proportion of Gypsy carriers versus non-carriers, and the prevalence of Gypsy versus Payos (non-Gypsy) carriers. Fourteen cases were AgBHs (+) (3.1%). There was no age difference between carriers and non-carriers. The proportion of Gypsy women in the carrier group was higher than in the non-carrier group (p less than 0.01), while the prevalence of carriers was also higher in Gypsy women than in pregnant women of Payo origin (p = 0.00082). Only one carrier had prior risk history. Of the 14 women with AgBHs (+), 13 gave birth; the recommended guidelines were followed in 9 cases. Routine screening for AgBHs in pregnant women is justified by the low sensitivity of the risk criteria, and the possibility for prevention.