Maternal and neonatal seroprevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in Tripoli, Libya.

Background: Pregnant women with Hepatitis B virus HBV represent a major reservoir of the virus in the community. Data regarding the prevalence of HBV in pregnant women and maternal transmission of the virus in Libya are lacking.

Methodology: Hepatitis blood samples from 1,500 pregnant women and 1,500 cord blood samples of their neonates delivered at Tripoli Medical Center, Tripoli, were tested for HBsAg by ELISA technique.