Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence in pregnant women in northwestern Romania in order to be able to formulate an adequate prevention policy on perinatal transmission of the hepatitis B virus. A cross-sectional serological survey was carried out among parturient women in 18 hospitals in this area in September 1991. Out of 2,354 parturient women, 90 (3.8%) were positive for HBsAg. The prevalence did not differ significantly by age, parity, rural versus urban residence or the district of residence. The prevalence did differ significantly according to the level of medical care. Women who gave birth in level 3 and 4 hospitals had a higher prevalence (5.1%) than those women who gave birth in level 1 and 2 hospitals (3.0%), supporting the assumption that iatrogenic infection has played an important role in the spread of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Romania. Incorporation of universal vaccination with hepatitis B vaccine into the routine childhood immunization programme in Romania would be the best strategy to prevent perinatal transmission of HBV. Further studies are needed to validate the assumption that iatrogenic transmission has played an important role in the spread of HBV infection in Romania.
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