Abstract
The epidemiology of viral hepatitis during pregnancy is of paramount importance for health planners and program managers. Data on viral hepatitis during pregnancy are not readily available in many African and Arab countries. Both regions have their own unique geography, and comprise over 59 states with crossover and interaction of different cultures. A systematic electronic search of the published literature was conducted and data on epidemiology and risk factors of maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatitis C (HCV) infection in Arab and African countries were extracted from relevant studies. The serology of hepatitis viruses varies greatly among these countries, with different viral genotype patterns. Such a variation in prevalence could be explained by the different risk factors involved. Sexual contact, perinatal infection, blood and its derivatives, hemodialysis, intravenous and percutaneous drug use, and occupational, habitual, and social behavior have been identified as risk factors for hepatitis transmission in various settings in these countries. Infection from hepatitis B and C viruses imposes major socioeconomic and even political burdens on such young and dynamic societies. Thus strategies and clear policies of intervention are required to combat the consequences of hepatitis B and C at both the regional and national levels.
Highlights
The epidemiology of viral hepatitis during pregnancy is of paramount importance for health planners and program managers
It is important to consider the weaknesses of regional studies in African and Arab countries, where most of the epidemiological investigations are performed on individuals based upon studying the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) among specific groups such as blood donors, health-care employees, or patients undergoing hemodialysis
HBV and HCV infections are a persistent issue in the entire Arab world, where the average prevalence rate of HBV infection ranges from 2% to more than 8% [18,19], while the prevalence of HCV ranges between 0.4-23% [19]
Summary
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a member of the Hepadnaviridae family; it is a DNA virus with partially double-stranded DNA and a core antigen surrounded by a shell containing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) [1]. The WHO estimates that around 3% of the world’s population has chronic HCV infection, with more than one million new cases annually, the majority of which occurring in Africa [9,10]. It is important to consider the weaknesses of regional studies in African and Arab countries, where most of the epidemiological investigations are performed on individuals based upon studying the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV among specific groups such as blood donors, health-care employees, or patients undergoing hemodialysis. The current review aims to investigate the prevalence and possible risk factors for HBV and HCV infection among pregnant women in African and Arab countries. Methodology A systematic electronic search of the published literature was conducted and data on the epidemiology and risk factors for maternal HBV and HCV infection in Arab and African countries were extracted from relevant studies.
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