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Learning Objectives for this Presentation:
At the end of this presentation people will learn the prevalence rate of HCV in a developing country.
Background:
The aim of this study was to establish the hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence among a heterogeneous-multiethnic group of pregnant women and to determine the incidence of HCV transmission in infants born to infected mothers in UAE.
Methods:
A total of 618 blood samples were collected from pregnant women during their antenatal clinic visit between June 2001 and June 2003. 12 mothers were found positive for anti-HCV antibodies. The HCV infected mothers and their offspring were followed up from birth for evidence of HCV infection as determined by persistence of HCV antibodies and/or detection of HCV RNA.
Results:
The overall anti-HCV antibodies prevalence rate among pregnant women in the region was 1.95 percent. Among their offspring, 3 had detectable HCV antibodies and/or HCV RNA beyond 12 months of age. Thus the maternal–infant transmission rate was 25 percent. None of the studied United Arab Emirates (UAE) women were HCV infected.
Conclusions:
Based on our results, screening all pregnant women for HCV might not be indicated. Nevertheless, screening of mothers who have known risk factors for HCV infection might be more cost effective. The study suggests that there is a need for well-designed large-scale studies in this region.
See more of Poster Session #1
See more of The 2005 National Viral Hepatitis Prevention Conference