Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Markers among Pregnant Women at the Cité-verte District Hospital in Yaoundé Cameroon

Authors

  • Louise Stéphanie Makemgue* Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ebolowa, PO Box 599, Cameroon Author
  • Donatien Serge Mbaga Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Bertoua, PO Box 416, Cameroon Author
  • Jean De Matha Ndengué Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, University of Yaoundé I, Yaoundé, PO Box 812, Cameroon Author
  • Justin Olivier Essindi Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Cameroon. Author
  • André Urbain Njiki- Bikoï Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Cameroon. Author
  • Jacky Njiki- Bikoï Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Yaoundé I, PO Box 812, Cameroon. Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.65336/

Keywords:

HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HBe, Yaounde

Abstract

Background: Chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a critical global health threat, with sub-Saharan Africa facing a disproportionate burden of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). In Cameroon, localized data on the full spectrum of HBV serological markers is essential to refine prevention strategies. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of five HBV markers and identify factors influencing neonatal health security.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from March to November 2025 at the Cite-verte District Hospital in Yaoundé. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 214 pregnant women. HBV markers (HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, anti-HBe) were screened using rapid diagnostic tests and confirmed via ELISA. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and Odds Ratios (OR) with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results: HBsAg seroprevalence was 16.4%, with 51.4% of these cases being HBeAg-positive, indicating high infectivity. All HBsAg and HBeAg positive cases were concentrated in the second trimester (p < 0.001). Primiparous women were significantly more likely to be HBsAg-positive (74.3%; p = 0.004). Blood transfusion was identified as a massive risk factor for transmissibility (OR = 41.56; 95% CI [12.69–136.12]; p < 0.001). No co-infections with HCV or HDV were detected.

Conclusion: The high endemicity (16.4%) and significant HBeAg positivity pose a severe silent threat for vertical transmission in Yaoundé. These findings advocate for mandatory second-trimester screening and the integration of antiviral prophylaxis for high-risk mothers to ensure neonatal health security.

 

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Published

2026-06-15

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 6 (2026)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

[1]
Louise Stéphanie Makemgue*, Donatien Serge Mbaga, Jean De Matha Ndengué, Justin Olivier Essindi, André Urbain Njiki- Bikoï, and Jacky Njiki- Bikoï, Trans., “Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B Virus Markers among Pregnant Women at the Cité-verte District Hospital in Yaoundé Cameroon”, WJAMS, vol. 3, no. 6, pp. 19–25, Jun. 2026, doi: 10.65336/.