Seroprevalence of HIV,Hepatitis B,and Syphilis Among Pregnant Women at the General Hospital,Guatemala City,2005-2009

Abstract

Background: Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening in pregnancy provides an excellent opportunity for secondary prevention. Objective: To document the epidemiology of HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis among pregnant women at a Guatemalan national hospital. Results: From 2004 to 2009, 118 (0.76%) of 15 563 of women tested in the prenatal clinic had HIV infection, 29 (0.22%) of 13 028 women tested had hepatitis B virus infection, and 78 (0.60%) of 13 027 had a positive test for syphilis. From August 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009, 29 482 women were tested in the obstetrical emergency room. A total of 63 were HIV positive (0.21%), 48 had hepatitis B (0.16%), and 196 had syphilis (0.66%). Of the 9196 births between August 2007 and July of 2008, 33 (0.36%) were to HIV-infected mothers. Conclusion: These 3 STIs were uncommon in our population and did not increase in incidence during the study period. HIV maternal-to-child transmission (MTCT) prevention programs were feasible in our setting.

Keywords

HIV hepatitis B syphilis pregnant women maternal-to-child transmission

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