Department of Microbiology, Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Nigeria

 Vertical transmission of HIV, HBV and HCV is associated with high risk of maternal complications, feotal death or impaired mental and physical health. A standing regulation for screening of all pregnant women is often avoided by the patients and hospitals. This study was designed to assess the incidence of these infections among antenatal patients in the studied community. The study was carried out among four hundred and thirty-two (432) pregnant women attending ante-natal clinics of State General Hospital and Inland Maternity Center, Ikare-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria. Two milliliters (2ml) of blood samples were collected from antenatal patients between April and September, 2015 and screened for, HIV, HBV and HCV using rapid chromatographic immunoassay methods in accordance with the national algorithm. The age of the patients ranged between 15 and 40 years. A total of 11(2.6%); 8(1.9%) and 3(0.7%) patients were seropositive for HIV, HBV and HCV infections respectively. Co-infections of HIV and HBV were diagnosed among 3(0.7%) of the volunteers. There was no case of co-infection of HIV with HCV or HBV with HCV.  The prevalence rates recorded for these three infectious diseases call for an aggressive advocacy for compulsory screening of all antenatal patients by all health facilities. 

Keywords: Seropositive, Hepatitis B, Antenatal, HIV, Ikare-Akoko