2025-07-30
Hepatitis b & pregnancy: a silent threat?
Infectiology
By Ana Espino | Published on July 30, 2025 | 2 min read
#HepatitisB #InfectiousDiseases #Pregnancy
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection that can progress to a chronic form, leading to serious complications such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. In 2022, more than 254 million people were living with the virus, making hepatitis B the second leading cause of infectious mortality worldwide, after COVID-19. In pregnant women, the main concern is mother-to-child transmission, which exposes the newborn to a high risk of lifelong chronic infection.
Although the World Health Organization has set a goal to eliminate hepatitis B as a public health threat by 2030, many countries—particularly low- and middle-income nations—still face limited vaccination coverage and insufficient prenatal screening. For example, in Ethiopia, numerous studies have investigated the prevalence of the virus among pregnant women, with widely varying results (from 2.3% to 7.9%) and multiple risk factors identified.
The main challenges lie in implementing systematic screening during pregnancy, effectively preventing perinatal transmission, and improving access to care. In this context, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women and to identify the key risk factors in order to inform prevention strategies and public health policies.
A total of 43 studies conducted between 2003 and 2024, including 17,056 pregnant women across different Ethiopian regions, were selected.
The study reveals an overall prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Ethiopia of 6% [95% CI: 5–7%], corresponding to an intermediate endemicity level according to WHO criteria. The Tigray and Somali regions recorded the highest rates, each reaching 7%. Several significant risk factors were identified, including having multiple sexual partners (OR = 12.69), a history of blood transfusion (OR = 1.99), a history of abortion (OR = 3.52), body tattooing (OR = 1.70), undergoing surgery (OR = 9.87), sharing sharp objects (OR = 9.24), and a family history of hepatitis B infection (OR = 11.20). The analysis revealed no significant publication bias, and the findings were robust in sensitivity tests.
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection that can lead to serious complications and be transmitted from mother to child, making perinatal prevention essential. One of the main challenges remains reducing this vertical transmission, particularly through better prenatal screening, expanded vaccination coverage, and effective management of detected cases. In this context, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Ethiopia while identifying associated risk factors. The findings highlight an intermediate prevalence of 6% and several modifiable risk factors associated with infection. These data underscore the need to strengthen prevention efforts by integrating systematic screening into prenatal care, improving vaccination coverage, and conducting further research to better understand hepatitis B transmission during pregnancy.
About the author – Ana Espino
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions through impactful communication.
#HepatitisB #InfectiousDiseases #Pregnancy
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection that can progress to a chronic form, leading to serious complications such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. In 2022, more than 254 million people were living with the virus, making hepatitis B the second leading cause of infectious mortality worldwide, after COVID-19. In pregnant women, the main concern is mother-to-child transmission, which exposes the newborn to a high risk of lifelong chronic infection.
Although the World Health Organization has set a goal to eliminate hepatitis B as a public health threat by 2030, many countries—particularly low- and middle-income nations—still face limited vaccination coverage and insufficient prenatal screening. For example, in Ethiopia, numerous studies have investigated the prevalence of the virus among pregnant women, with widely varying results (from 2.3% to 7.9%) and multiple risk factors identified.
The main challenges lie in implementing systematic screening during pregnancy, effectively preventing perinatal transmission, and improving access to care. In this context, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women and to identify the key risk factors in order to inform prevention strategies and public health policies.
HBV in expectant mothers: who, where, how many?
A total of 43 studies conducted between 2003 and 2024, including 17,056 pregnant women across different Ethiopian regions, were selected.
The study reveals an overall prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Ethiopia of 6% [95% CI: 5–7%], corresponding to an intermediate endemicity level according to WHO criteria. The Tigray and Somali regions recorded the highest rates, each reaching 7%. Several significant risk factors were identified, including having multiple sexual partners (OR = 12.69), a history of blood transfusion (OR = 1.99), a history of abortion (OR = 3.52), body tattooing (OR = 1.70), undergoing surgery (OR = 9.87), sharing sharp objects (OR = 9.24), and a family history of hepatitis B infection (OR = 11.20). The analysis revealed no significant publication bias, and the findings were robust in sensitivity tests.
Breaking the chain: a feasible challenge
Hepatitis B is a viral liver infection that can lead to serious complications and be transmitted from mother to child, making perinatal prevention essential. One of the main challenges remains reducing this vertical transmission, particularly through better prenatal screening, expanded vaccination coverage, and effective management of detected cases. In this context, the aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B among pregnant women in Ethiopia while identifying associated risk factors. The findings highlight an intermediate prevalence of 6% and several modifiable risk factors associated with infection. These data underscore the need to strengthen prevention efforts by integrating systematic screening into prenatal care, improving vaccination coverage, and conducting further research to better understand hepatitis B transmission during pregnancy.
Read next: HBV: Immunity asleep or awakened?
About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology
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