Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C viruses among women of childbearing age in Moshi Urban, Tanzania.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the seroprevalence of hepatitis C and B viruses and their association with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among women aged 15-49 years, attending primary health care clinics in Moshi urban, Tanzania.


METHODS
A cross-sectional study.


METHODS
Three primary health care clinics in Moshi, Tanzania.


METHODS
A total of 382 consenting women attending reproductive and child health clinics between September-December 1999.


RESULTS
The seroprevalence of anti-HCV was 1.0%, for HBsAg 4.2% and for HIV 11.5%. HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases were not associated with anti-HCV or HBsAg. There was no interrelation between HCV and HBV markers.


CONCLUSIONS
Hepatitis C Virus infection is infrequent among women in urban Tanzania. HCV and HBsAg were not more prevalent in HIV-infected women. Public preventive efforts should thus focus on hepatitis B virus immunisation.
Msuya
S E
SE
Department of International Health, Institute of General Practice and Community Medicine, University of Oslo, Postboks 1130 Blindem, N-03 18, Oslo, Norway.
Mbizvo
E M
EM
Hussain
A
A
Sam
N E
NE
Stray-Pedersen
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008875:Middle Aged; D011320:Primary Health Care; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013636:Tanzania / Q000453:epidemiology
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies