Vertical Transmission Of Hepatitis Research Articles

Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Among Women with a History of Injection Opioid Use.

We evaluated vertical transmission and linkage to care in women with HCV and history of injection drug use employing co-localized testing and treatment. Transmission occurred in 1 of 23 infants, with mother-infant genetic distance of 1.26%. Rates for infant testing, maternal linkage and cure were 77%, 52%, and 100%, respectively.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in Intercepting Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus.

Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV), especially in Asia, is a key target in the global elimination of HBV. This study assessed the effects of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in pregnant women for mother-to-infant transmission of HBV. A total of 122 pregnant women at our hospital met the inclusion criteria for high HBV DNA viral loads. They were randomly divided into TDF-treatment (n=70) and placebo (n=52) groups. Maternal liver function and serum HBV DNA load were tested before and after treatment. Clinical and laboratory data of infants were assayed at delivery and 7-months post-partum visit and compared between the two groups. There was no difference in clinical characteristics of participants between the two groups. There were no significant differences in liver function markers, including alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, blood creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen levels before and after TDF treatment. The serum HBV DNA viral load of the TDF-treated group became significantly lower than those of the control group and their own pre-medication levels. Infants showed no significant difference in body growth, including weight, height, head size, and five-min Apgar score. At 7 months after birth, 94.29% of infants in the TDF group and 86.54% of control-group infants had protective HBsAb levels ≥ 10 mIU/ml (p>0.05). The HBV infection rate of infants in the TDF-treated group was lower than that in the non-treated group. In high-HBV-DNA-load pregnant women, TDF administered from 28 weeks gestational age to delivery was associated with a lower risk of mother-to-infant transmission of HBV.

Hepatitis B Virus Prevalence and Transmission in the Households of Pregnant Women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

The World Health Organization Africa region has high regional hepatitis B virus (HBV) prevalence, and evidence suggests more frequent horizontal HBV transmission than other regions. Context-specific epidemiological studies are needed to inform additional HBV prevention measures. In the cross-sectional Horizontal and Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B (HOVER-HBV) study, we introduced HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) screening alongside existing HIV screening as part of routine antenatal care in high-volume maternity clinics in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. We recruited households of pregnant women ("index mothers") who were HBsAg-positive and HBsAg-negative, defining households as index-positive and index-negative, respectively. Household members underwent HBsAg testing and an epidemiological survey. We evaluated HBsAg prevalence and potential transmission correlates. We enrolled 1006 participants from 200 households (100 index-positive, 100 index-negative) across Kinshasa. HBsAg-positivity prevalence was more than twice as high in index-positive households (5.0% [95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.8%-7.1%]) as in index-negative households (1.9% [95% CI, .6%-3.2%]). HBsAg-positivity prevalence was 3.3 (95% CI, .9-11.8) times as high among direct offspring in index-positive versus index-negative households. Factors associated with HBsAg positivity included older age, marriage, and having multiple recent partners or any new sexual partners among index mothers; and older age, lower household wealth, sharing nail clippers, and using street salons among offspring in index-positive households. Vertical and horizontal HBV transmission within households is ongoing in Kinshasa. Factors associated with infection reveal opportunities for HBV prevention efforts, including perinatal prevention, protection during sexual contact, and sanitation of shared personal items.

Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus from father to child: what can be concluded about this possibility?

Vertical hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission is defined as transmission that occurs during pregnancy or postpartum from an HBV-infected mother to her fetus or child. It is an efficient route for the spread of HBV and is responsible for most of the cases of chronic HBV infection in adults. During pregnancy, vertical transmission can occur in the intrauterine phase, by placental infection via peripheral blood mononuclear cells, by placental leakage, or through female germ cells.The detection of HBV DNA in semen and spermatids from HBV-infected men has provided strong evidence that the male genital tract may act as a reservoir of the virus in HBV-infected men, supporting the possibility that vertical HBV transmission from an HBV-infected father to his child may also occur via the germ line at the time of fertilization, as occurs in HBV transmission from mother to child. Furthermore, it has been shown that integration of the HBV genome into the sperm cell genome can compromise sperm morphology and function and even cause hereditary or congenital biological effects in the offspring when an HBV-infected sperm fuses with an ovum.Since vertical HBV transmission from father to child can be a topic of interest and of global importance for controlling the spread of HBV, this article addresses the evidence supporting its occurrence via germ cells, the biological impact of integration of the HBV genome into the male germ cell genome, and the role of maternal immunoprophylaxis in vertical HBV transmission from father to child.

Overall Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus, Transmission Net of Clearance, and Timing of Transmission.

It is widely accepted that the risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) vertical transmission (VT) is 5%-6% in monoinfected women, and that 25%-40% of HCV infection clears spontaneously within 5 years. However, there is no consensus on how VT rates should be estimated, and there is a lack of information on VT rates "net" of clearance. We reanalyzed data on 1749 children in 3 prospective cohorts to obtain coherent estimates of overall VT rate and VT rates net of clearance at different ages. Clearance rates were used to impute the proportion of uninfected children who had been infected and then cleared before testing negative. The proportion of transmission early in utero, late in utero, and at delivery was estimated from data on the proportion of HCV RNA positive within 3 days of birth, and differences between elective cesarean and nonelective cesarean deliveries. Overall VT rates were 7.2% (95% credible interval [CrI], 5.6%-8.9%) in mothers who were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) negative and 12.1% (95% CrI, 8.6%-16.8%) in HIV-coinfected women. The corresponding rates net of clearance at 5 years were 2.4% (95% CrI, 1.1%-4.1%), and 4.1% (95% CrI, 1.7%-7.3%). We estimated that 24.8% (95% CrI, 12.1%-40.8%) of infections occur early in utero, 66.0% (95% CrI, 42.5%-83.3%) later in utero, and 9.3% (95% CrI, 0.5%-30.6%) during delivery. Overall VT rates are about 24% higher than previously assumed, but the risk of infection persisting beyond age 5 years is about 38% lower. The results can inform design of trials of interventions to prevent or treat pediatric HCV infection, and strategies to manage children exposed in utero.

Determinants and preventive practices of midwives and physicians toward vertical transmission of hepatitis B in Ghana: a cross-sectional survey.

countries in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, are disproportionately affected by hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection. In these areas, mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is an essential mode of HBV transmission. Evidently, timely hepatitis B birth dose vaccination remains an effective preventive intervention against MTCT of HBV. Considering that midwives and physicians are the primary care providers of newborns in Ghana, we sought to examine their preventive practices toward vertical transmission of HBV in the eastern region of Ghana. a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 126 healthcare providers (HCP; midwives and physicians). The participants were conveniently recruited from one regional hospital and four district hospitals. Statistical significance was set at 0.05 alpha level. the findings indicate that 42.9% (n = 54) of HCPs' prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) practices for hepatitis B were good (X2 = 2.57, p > 0.05). Explicitly, 79% indicated screening all pregnant women for hepatitis B as part of antenatal care (X2 = 41.14, p < 0.001). Additionally, about half of the participants (52.4%) reported providing pre-test counselling (X2 = 0.29, p > 0.05), whereas one-third (33%) reported routinely administering a birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine to neonates of mothers with hepatitis B (X2 = 14.00, p < 0.001). However, only 37% reported administering the hepatitis B vaccine to newborns within 12 hours of birth (X2 = 9.18, p < 0.01). The binary logistic regression analyses identified training as the only significant predictor of good practice on PMTCT of hepatitis B at the 5% level (Wald = 3.91, p =0.05). given that more than half of the participants in the study area had incorrect PMTCT practices for hepatitis B, it is imperative that a series of workshops on hepatitis B be done for healthcare providers in Ghana. In addition, hepatitis B birth dose vaccine must be incorporated into the ´Expanded Programme on Immunisation´ to remove the cost that acts as a barrier to access.

Hepatitis B in pregnancy – Review of literature and guideline proposal

Vertical mother-to-fetus transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a concern of public health global policies. The transmission rate can be substantially influenced by the good function of the maternal screening programs and by the vaccination of newborns as well. Also, the appropriate treatment of pregnant women and the administration of anti-HBV immunoglobulin immediately after birth come up with the decrease of HBV transmission rate. Acute viral hepatitis during pregnancy constitutes the main cause of jaundice recognized in pregnant women. It has generally a mild course during pregnancy, without significantly influencing the health state of the mother. In the context of immunological adaptation in pregnancy, the condition of the pregnant woman with chronic HBV infection without notable hepatic dysfunction generally has a good evolution. However, there are some possible clinical consequences like hepatic flares and progression of liver disease. The paper presents a review of literature and guideline proposals to prevent vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus and to provide the best possible care for pregnant women with hepatitis B infection.

Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus: propositions and future directions.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection due to vertical transmission remains a critical concern with regards to eliminating HBV infection. Implementation of hepatitis B vaccine, the foundation to prevent perinatal and horizontal transmission, has reduced the prevalence of HBV by >80%. In countries where the hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) is available, such as China and the United States, the administration of HBIG and hepatitis B vaccine to the infants of mothers who are positive for hepatitis B surface antigen has become a standard practice and is effective in preventing vertical transmission. Accumulating evidence on the efficacy and safety of antiviral prophylaxis during pregnancy indicates the probability of attaining the goal of the World Health Organization to eliminate hepatitis by 2030. In this review, we discuss the transmission routes, diagnostic criteria, and preventive strategies for vertical transmission. A preventive program that includes screening before pregnancy, antiviral prophylaxis during pregnancy, and postpartum immunoprophylaxis provides “perfect strategies” to eliminate vertical transmission. However, there is still a notable gap between “perfect strategies” and real-world application, including insufficient coverage of timely birth dose vaccine and the efficacy and necessity of HBIG, especially in mothers who are negative for hepatitis B envelope antigen. In particular, there is a clear need for a comprehensive long-term safety profile of antiviral prophylaxis. Therefore, feasible and cost-effective preventive strategies need to be determined across regions. Access also needs to be scaled up to meet the demands for prophylaxis and prevalence targets.

Relationship between expression of HBV-infection markers in placenta and clinical data of mothers and their newborns

Vertical transmission of viral hepatitis B (HBV) is one of the main transmission ways in endemic regions. There is a relationship between structural changes in the placenta and the clinical course of HBV infection. The risk of vertical transmission of hepatitis B depends on the condition of the placenta.The goal of this work was to study the relationship between HBsAg and / or HBcorAg expression in placenta on the one hand, and clinical parameters of mothers and newborns on the other hand.The study included 19 patients with CHB who gave birth at the Botkins infectious disease hospital in 2019. The first group included patients with markers of HBV infection (HBsAg and / or HBcorAg) detectable via immunohistochemical examination in at least one of the layers of the placenta. In patients from the second group, no markers of HBV infection were detected in any layer of the placenta. Inflammatory changes in placenta were detected in all women from the first group and in 9 (64%) women from the second group. HBsAg in umbilical cord blood was detected in 3 (16%) newborns. In two patients, whose children had HBsAg in the umbilical cord blood, no markers of HBV infection were detected in placenta. In the first group, only one newborn had HBsAg in umbilical cord blood. In two patients receiving an antiviral treatment during pregnancy, markers of HBV infection were identified in the placenta. Markers of HBV infection in placenta were also detected in women with undetectable viral load.ConclusionsMarkers of HBV infection can be found in placenta at low maternal viral load.HBsAg in umbilical cord blood can be detected even in patients with no markers of HBV infection in placenta.Antiviral treatment during pregnancy does not prevent the possibility of placenta’s infection with HBV.

Molecular Analysis of Hepatitis B Virus in Mothers-Children Pairs

ackground: Vertical transmission of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is the primary infection source for infants, but little is known on the proportion of children that have acquired HBV from their mothers. Objective: We investigated the relationship of HBV sequencing in HBVpositive children and their mothers and explored the HBV phylogenetic tree. Methods: Serum-extracted HBV-DNA from 38 individuals (13 children paired to nine mothers, 16 unpaired infected children) was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and the target region HBV surface glycoprotein (amino acids 40-171) was directly sequenced. Following editing and alignment of these sequences, phylogenetic tree analysis was performed using the neighbourjoining and maximum-likelihood methods. Results: Analysis was successfully performed in 29 subjects (23 children and six mothers), including six mother-child pairs. All individuals were infected by genotype D. Subgenotype adw3 prevailed (21, 72.4%), followed by ayw2 (4, 13.8%) and ayw3 (4, 13.8%). Among six mother-child pairs, three had identical and three had different subgenotypes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that HBV sequences from three children did not cluster with their siblings suggesting a different source of infection. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that HBV subgenotypes in infected children may not be identical to their mothers’ and point to non-vertical HBV transmission in childhood.

Viral infection of spermatozoa. Part 1. Hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus (review)

Intragametal viral infection of spermatozoa can cause true vertical transmission of viruses through germ cells. Currently, human papilloma-virus, including oncogenic risk strains, and hepatitis B virus, have been detected in spermatozoa. The possibility of vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus has been proven.Intragametal infection of spermatozoa with viruses of human papillomavirus and hepatitis B virus leads to abnormalities in the development of the embryo and can cause spontaneous abortions both duringnatural conception and when using assisted reproductive technologies.The development of adequate methods for diagnosing an intragametal spermatozoa virus infection will make it possible to find out, at least in some patients, the cause of infertility and pregnancy abnormalities and apply appropriate antiviral therapy in preparation for natural conception or the use of assisted reproductive technologies.

The Importance of Hepatitis B Antigen Screening in Pregnancy.

In the United States, pregnant women are screened for hepatitis B antigen because of the significant risk of perinatal vertical transmission of hepatitis to the fetus. It is important that the maternal hepatitis B antigen screen is documented in the medical record to ensure appropriate prophylaxis for the neonate. The purpose of this column is to discuss the pathophysiology of hepatitis B, as well as the screening process and prophylaxis for the neonate.

Vertical transmission of hepatitis E virus in pregnant rhesus macaques

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the major pathogen of viral hepatitis. HEV causes high mortality in pregnant women. Its infection during pregnancy usually leads to fulminant hepatic failure, spontaneous abortions, premature delivery, or stillbirth. Vertical transmission of HEV has been reported, but the pathogenesis during pregnancy remains largely elusive. Pregnant rhesus macaques were infected with HEV to explore the pathogenesis of genotype 4 HEV infection during pregnancy. Active HEV infections were established with shedding viruses in the feces and blood, and elevated liver enzymes. Notably, higher viral titers and longer durations of HEV infection were found in HEV-infected pregnant rhesus macaques than in non-pregnant macaques. Premature delivery and fetal death occurred in one of the HEV-infected pregnant rhesus macaques. HEV RNA was detected in the liver, spleen, kidneys, and intestines of the dead fetus. This result strongly indicated vertical HEV transmission from mother to fetus. Maternal-transferred antibodies were observed in one of the babies with poor protection. The expressions of interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) related to HEV infection were completely different between pregnant and non-pregnant rhesus macaques. During pregnancy, impaired innate immune responses, reduced progesterone levels, and shifts in immune states may aggravate HEV infection and result in adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Post exposure prophylaxis coverage, vertical transmission and associated factors among hepatitis B exposed newborns delivered at Arsi zone health institutions, 2019.

IntroductionOne third of the world population has been exposed to hepatitis B virus and an estimated 257 million people are chronically infected. The main route of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is vertical transmission. Post exposure prophylaxis is recommended by world health organization to have free Hepatitis B infection by 2030.ObjectiveThe main purpose of this research project was to assess Hepatitis B virus post exposure prophylaxis coverage, rate of vertical transmission and factors among exposed newborns delivered at Arsi zone health institution.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in Arsi zone health institutions among hepatitis B virus exposed newborns delivered at Arsi zone health institutions from January 2018 to September 2019. Systematic sampling technique was used to select 422 exposed newborns into the study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire and checklist were used to collect relevant data. Data was entered and cleaned using epidata7 & analyzed using SPSS version 25 software package. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses was carried out to identify associations. Odds ratio with 95% CI and P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe study revealed that among 401 exposed newborns only 83(20.7%), have been administered post exposure prophylaxis. But vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) was observed in 32.4% (27.9%-36.9%) exposed newborns. Antenatal (ANC) attendance (AOR = .40, 95%CI = .23-.69), Instrumental delivery (AOR = 4.18, 95%CI = 2.05–8.51) HIV coinfection (AOR = 9.7, 95%CI = 4.37–21.34), Post exposure Prophylaxis (AOR = .20, 95%CI = .08-.50) and Knowledge on HBV (AOR = .27, 95%CI = .14-.53) are significant predictors of HBV vertical transmission.ConclusionMagnitude of HBV post exposure prophylaxis coverage is very low while Rate of vertical transmission is high. Antenatal attendance, Instrumental delivery, Post exposure Prophylaxis and Knowledge on hepatitis B virus transmission are significant predictors of HBV vertical transmission.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Associated Factors Towards Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care in Tertiary Hospitals in Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PurposeHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem globally. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HBV is high in endemic countries; however, little is known about pregnant women`s knowledge and attitudes regarding MTCT and prevention methods in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and associated factors of pregnant women towards MTCT of HBV and its prevention in three tertiary hospitals in the Amhara region, northwestern Ethiopia.Materials and MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from May 1, 2018 to September 30, 2019. A total of 1121 pregnant women participated in the study. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the sociodemographic, knowledge, and attitudes of pregnant women towards MTCT of HBV and its prevention. Data were analyzed using SPPS version 20. χ2-test, multivariate logistic regression, Spearman correlation, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for data analysis.ResultsThe majority of 89.6%; 95% CI (87.9–91.3%) pregnant women had poor knowledge of MTCT of HBV and its prevention. However, more than half of the study participants had favorable attitudes. Only 141 (12.6%) of the pregnant women knew that HBV transmitted from mother-to-child and 169 (15.1%) knew that HBV had a vaccine. There was a significant difference in attitude between the three hospitals (P<0.001). In multivariable analysis, education, gravida and vaccination history were independent factors significantly associated with good knowledge and favorable attitudes while income and residence significantly associated only to knowledge and attitude, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the knowledge and attitude of pregnant women (P<0.001).ConclusionThe knowledge of pregnant women was found to be poor and their attitude was also limited to MTCT of HBV infection and its prevention. Educational status and vaccination history were predictors of knowledge and attitude, but income and residence only to knowledge and attitude, respectively. This study revealed a lack of knowledge in pregnant women for the prevention and control of MTCT of HBV. This calls for the Amhara Health Bureau and Ministry of Health to promote health education programs for pregnant women attending antenatal care on MTCT of HBV and its prevention methods to improve knowledge and attitudes.

Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis C in Pregnant Women and possible risk factor for perinatal outcome at Zagazig University Hospital

Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis C in Pregnant Women and possible risk factor for perinatal outcome at Zagazig University Hospital

Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Pregnancy: An Update.

Parenteral transmission is the major route of hepatitis C virus transmission in adults; however, vertical transmission is most common in children. There are several factors that have been shown to be associated with vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus, including hepatitis C virus RNA, human immunodeficiency virus coinfection, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell infection. As there is no effective vaccine to prevent hepatitis C virus infection, and there are no human data describing the safety of the new direct acting antiviral agents in pregnancy, the only preventive strategy for vertical transmission is to treat the hepatitis C virus infection before becoming pregnant. Direct acting antiviral agents are interferon-free, and many are also ribavirin-free. Based on animal studies, sofosbuvir plus ledipasvir may be the best safety profile during pregnancy for now; however, it is too early to recommend treating hepatitis C virus-infected pregnant women with these direct acting antiviral agents currently.

Deep Sequencing Reveals the Characteristics of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) S Region in Vertical Transmission and the Influence of Mutations on Vaccination Failure

Background: Immune escape mutation is a major reason for vaccination failure in vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Objectives: The aim of the current study was to explore the characteristics of HBV S region gene in vertical transmission and the influence of mutations on vaccination failure in HBV S region gene. Methods: A total of nine mother-child pairs with chronic HBV were recruited in this study, and all of the children received the vaccine. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was used to investigate the sequences of HBV S gene from the mother and children. Results: The analysis of the sequencing data showed that all mother-child pairs are genotype B and genotype C mixed infection and the dominant genotype did not change in vertical transmission, and the consensus sequences of mothers and children were highly similar. Furthermore, the diversity of most amino acid sites had a small difference between mothers and children, and the mutations shared by mothers and children made up a high proportion of children’s mutations; the rate was 83.13% ± 8.45%. Also, the research found many mutations that could cause immune escape in major hydrophilic region. Especially in “a” determinant, sC137S or sC139Y, which had an important influence on the structure of “a” determinant, were observed in all mother-child pairs. Conclusions: All the above results indicated that HBV S gene was highly conserved in vertical transmission, and these immune escape mutations that pre-exist in mothers were transmitted to children and resulted in vaccination failure.

Maternal Immunity Influences Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B to Newborns.

Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) from the mother to the newborn often results in viral persistence. To understand mechanisms of maternofetal HBV transmission, we studied maternal immunity and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) transcriptome in mothers and newborns. We included 50 mothers and babies who were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive: 22 HBV transmitting mothers (group [Gr.] I) and 28 HBV nontransmitting mothers (Gr. II) to newborns and 10 healthy mother–baby pairs (Gr. III). PBMCs were analyzed for HBV‐specific dendritic cells (DCs), T cells, T follicular helper (TFh) cells, B cells, functional immune responses, and cytokine levels as well as transcriptome signatures to identify immune gene expression correlates for protective immunity. Group II mothers had lower HBsAg levels (3.82 × 103 versus 1.493 × 104; P < 0.0001) with greater HBV‐specific responses of DCs, T cells, TFh cells, and B cells than Gr. I mothers. Frequencies of TFh cells were lower in Gr. I mothers, with reduced interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) levels, and these inversely correlated with HBV DNA levels. Cut‐off levels of 9.5% and 8.93% from the receiver operating curve predicted the involvement of TFh cells and B cells in HBV transmission. Transcriptome signatures revealed that maternal gene imprints were reflected in the newborns. Genes related to DCs, TFh cells, and B cells were increased in Gr. II, and Gr. II newborns showed a boost in cellular and humoral responses after vaccination. Conclusion: In mothers infected with HBV, low serum IL‐21 levels and decreased TFh‐cell and plasma B‐cell frequencies are associated with vertical transmission of HBV to newborns. These features are indicative of low protective maternal immunity.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV in pregnant women from Eastern Turkey.

The vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are essential public health problems. In this study, we aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of the aforementioned infections among pregnant women. This study was done retrospectively on pregnant women who presented for antenatal follow-up and delivery between 2013 and 2016. Data were collected from the hospital's electronic health records and patient files. Blood samples were analyzed at the microbiology laboratory of the hospital. HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HCV, and anti-HIV titers were tested using the chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay method (Architect, Abbott Laboratories, USA). HBsAg and anti-HBs levels were tested in 35,295 pregnant women aged 18-45 years. The HBsAg and anti-HBs levels were positive in 425 (1.2%) and 9583 (27.7%) patients, respectively. From 2013 to 2016, the HBV carrier rates have continuously decreased from 1.4% to 0.8%, whereas the anti-HBs positivity has increased from 25.4% to 30.2%. Anti-HCV was detected in 6 of the 9709 (0.06%) patients. All the 7113 pregnant women screened for HIV showed negative results. Hepatitis B carrier rates among pregnant women gradually decreased with a simultaneous increase in the immunity rates. HCV seroprevalence was low and HIV positivity was not encountered in the study population.