The Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Pregnant Women in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine for Boys, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

2 Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine for Boys, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

https://doi.org/10.21608/aimj.2025.446584

Abstract

Background: Viral hepatitis is a significant global public health challenge, with approximately 160 million individuals infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) worldwide.
Aim: To assess the occurrence of hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant females attending the antenatal care clinic at Bab El-Shaariya University Hospital.
Patients and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Bab El-Shaariya Hospital on 1200 pregnant females of varying gestational ages attending the antenatal healthcare units for regular monitoring from June 2023 to June 2024.
Results: Among the participants, 7% tested positive for HCV-Ab, of whom 43% were confirmed positive by PCR testing. Educational level was associated with PCR-confirmed HCV infection: 50% of the PCR-positive group were non-educated, compared to 23% of the PCR-negative group. Other educational distributions among the PCR-positive group were Primary (8.4%), Middle (8.4%), Secondary (27.7%), and University (5.5%). For the PCR-negative group, the distribution was Primary (6.3%), Middle (20.8%), Secondary (29.1%), and University (20.8%).
Conclusion: The occurrence of HCV among pregnant females in this study was 7%, based on HCV-Ab testing, with 43% confirmed by PCR. Risk factors for transmission, including occupation, age, and dental procedures, were associated with HCV-Ab positivity. PCR-confirmed HCV infection was significantly more common among women with lower educational levels.
 

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