Hepatitis B virus infection among pregnant women in northeastern Romania.
We conducted a serological survey of pregnant women attending prenatal clinics in northeastern Romania to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in this population. Overall, 162 (28%) of 573 women had evidence of past or current HBV infection, and 48 (8.4%) were carriers. The prevalence of past or current infection rose with age, but did not differ by educational level, occupation, or rural versus urban residence. Integration of hepatitis B vaccine into routine childhood immunization schedules, with the first dose given at birth, may have a substantial impact on HBV infection in Romania by preventing both perinatal and early childhood transmission.
Woodruff
B A
BA
Hepatitis Branch, Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA.
Popovici
F
F
Beldescu
N
N
Shapiro
C N
CN
Hersh
B S
BS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002353:Carrier State / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D015995:Prevalence; D012383:Romania / Q000453:epidemiology; D014611:Vaccination
D017325:Hepatitis B Vaccines