title: Prevalence of hepatitis B markers (HBsAg and HBsAb) in women screened at time of delivery.
abstract: Two thousand women were screened at the time of delivery for two hepatitis B markers, surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (HBsAb), in order to determine prevalence rates, define high-risk groups and estimate the cost-efficiency of routine screening. It was found that 2.2% of the women were HBsAg positive and 32% of a 20% subsample were HBsAb positive. Jewish women of North African origin had the highest rates (HBsAg, 3.8%; HBsAb, 47%) and those of European origin had the lowest (1.2 and 14%, respectively). Bedouin women had intermediate rates (HBsAg, 1.1%; HBsAb, 28%). The issue of screening pregnant women for HBsAg is discussed in light of these results.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005006:Ethnicity; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000276:immunology*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D007585:Jews; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens