Prevalence of chronic hepatitis B and status of HBV care among rural women who planned to conceive in China

Sci Rep. 2017 Sep 21;7(1):12090. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-12005-2.

Abstract

Globally, one third of prevalent chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection (HBV) occurred in China. Assessing the prevalence of CHB infesction and status of HBV-related services among pre-conception women will provide insight into risks of mother to child transmission (MTCT). A cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Free Pre-pregnancy Checkups (NFPC) program in 2010-2014 was conducted. A standardized questionnaire which collected demographic information and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) which tested serological HBV markers were applied. A total of 16,051,850 rural women aged 15-49 years were included. 5.2% of women were infected with CHB, among whom, 28.6% were also hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive. The most CHB concentrated places were distributed in southeastern coastal provinces. Women born after 1992 did not experience a higher level of vaccine-induced immunity compared to those born before 1992. Nine in ten rural women with CHB were not aware of their HBV status and a very small proportion of women (0.22%) had received antiviral treatment. Our data demonstrated an overall high-intermediate burden of CHB. Heterogeneity of geographic distribution, high proportion of HBeAg, insufficient awareness of HBV status, and low access to HBV treatment are challenges for preventing the MTCT.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • China / epidemiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Fertilization / drug effects
  • Fertilization / physiology*
  • Geography
  • Hepatitis B virus / drug effects
  • Hepatitis B virus / physiology*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / virology*
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / virology
  • Prevalence
  • Rural Population / statistics & numerical data*
  • Viral Load
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents