Detection and Prevalence of Syphilis, Hepatitis C Virus andHelicobacter pyloriCo-Infection among Pregnant Women attending Primary Health Centre, Mbodo-Aluu, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

ABSTRACTDue to the possible negative effects on both the mother and the foetus, co-infection with syphilis, hepatitis C virus (HCV), andHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) in pregnant women is a serious public health problem. In this study, pregnant patients at the Mbodo Health Centre in Aluu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, were asked to rate their prevalence of co-infection and related risk factors. 96 willing pregnant women gave consent for blood samples to be drawn, and ELISA and fast diagnostic kits were used to test the sera forHelicobacter pylori, hepatitis C, and syphilis. Results showed that 31.0% of the pregnant women hadHelicobacter pylori, but none had positive results for syphilis or the hepatitis C virus. The highest prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection, as determined by ELISA, was observed in the age group 30-39 years (37.5%), married groups (32.7%), secondary school education (44.0%), students (40.0%), and Christian religion (31.3%). This finding demonstrated thatH. pyloriwas more common in the study area than the other two pathogens. Pregnant women visiting the Primary Health Centre, Mbodo-Aluu, Rivers State had significant rates ofH. pyloriinfection with no coinfection with HCV and syphilis. This study emphasises the necessity of integrated screening and treatment initiatives during antenatal care. However, preventing unfavourable pregnancy outcomes and lowering the risk of vertical transmission to the baby need the early detection and treatment of these pathogens. Therefore, it is important to emphasise good knowledge and education about the infection in this area.