Background/aims: No data exist for current infections of hepatitis C and hepatitis B virus in pregnant women in Northern Norway. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalences of viremic hepatitis C and hepatitis B of pregnant women in Northern Norway. A cross-sectional, multi-center study with participation of all hospitals and delivery rooms in this region was performed.
Methodology: All pregnant women who consecutively underwent ultrasound screening in 17th - 19th weeks of pregnancy during the period between October 2003 and October 2004 were invited to participate in the study. On the day of ultrasonography venous blood samples were collected for analysis of serum for antibody to hepatitis C virus, hepatitis C virus ribonucleicacid, recombinant immunoblot assay, hepatitis B surface antigen, antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen.
Results: Out of 4087 eligible pregnant women 1668 (41%) were included in the study. The prevalences of viremic hepatitis C (hepatitis C virus ribonucleicacid positive) and viremic hepatitis B (hepatitis B surface antigen positive) were 0.2% (95% CI 0.0 - 0.5) and 0.1% (95% CI 0.0 - 0.3) respectively.
Conclusions: The prevalences of viremic hepatitis C and hepatitis B in pregnancy in Northern Norway were low.