TITLE:
Prevalence of Hepatitis B among Pregnant Women and Clinical Profile of Their Newborns in Lome, Togo
AUTHORS:
Foli Yvon Agbeko, Nimatou Tchabang’Na, Akila Bassowa, Achraf Tchapide-Traore, Elom Ounoo Takassi, Akouvi Selomin Agossou, Zakiyat Atcha-Oubou, Ayele Jaël Logossou, Affiavi Mawouegnigan Raymondo, Abalea Tchamon, Bulus Jacob, Uwito Alain Rubenga, Marc Yumba Mwepu, Ferrol Bessi Moussoumou, Amele Dela Akpodo, Tatiano Wiyao Seku, Francis Agbessi Etonam Kougnigan, Moussa Hamadou Boureima, Atehezi Adom, Homba Dake Batalia, Christian Chirume Amani, Mazama Pakoudjare, Kokou Nadiedjoa Douti
KEYWORDS:
Hepatitis B, Pregnancy, Newborn, Mother-to-Child Transmission, Prevention
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Pediatrics,
Vol.16 No.5,
September
28,
2026
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Hepatitis B is a global public health problem, particularly worrying in sub-Saharan Africa where mother-to-child transmission remains high. This study aims to describe the clinical profile of newborns born to mothers infected with the hepatitis B virus (HBV). Materials and methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Gynaecology-Obstetrics and Paediatrics Departments of the CHU Campus in Togo from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2025. It included records of pregnant women who were HBsAg-positive and their newborns. Results: The prevalence of HBV among pregnant women at the CHU Campus was 5.2%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) [3.8% - 6.6%]. The average age of women infected with HBV was 27.6 ± 11.4 years (16 - 38 years). Half (48.6%) were asymptomatic. Elevated transaminases were noted in 26.5% of pregnant women and 27.7% were HBeAg positive. The viral load was greater than 200,000 IU/ml in 21.7%. Four out of five women (79.5%) received tenofovir. The average weight of newborns was 3016.5 ± 353.6 g. The average height was 50.1 ± 1.8 cm and the average head circumference was 33.6 ± 3.3 cm. The sex ratio of newborns exposed to HBV was 1.1. Eight newborns (10.3%) were resuscitated in the first minute. Fifty-seven newborns (69.3%) received the HBV vaccine within 12 hours. Conclusion: Newborns of HBV+ mothers had normal measurements at birth. Systematic follow-up of these children should be instituted to determine their status.