Seroprevalence of viral Hepatitis B and C among pregnant women at the Bertoua Regional Hospital in the East Region of Cameroon

Chronic viral Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remain a significant global public health problem and a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in Central Africa with high endemicity among pregnant women. Both Hepatitis B and C can cause acute and chronic infections and are leading cases of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. During pregnancy, screening for hepatitis B and C is crucial because both viruses can be transmitted from mother to child, with HBV being more prevalent than HCV, and both infections posing risks for mother to child transmission. HBV transmission is largely preventable with post-birth immunoprophylaxis (vaccine + HIBG), while HCV transmission is less efficient but potentially treated with antivirals to prevent vertical spread. This cross sectional study at Bertoua Regional Hospital Cameroon (June 2025 January 2026) aimed at determining the Seroprevalence of viral Hepatitis B and C among 400 preg nant women attending the maternity unit; the majority of them (62%) were aged within (19 28). The overall seroprevalence was (7.25%): HBV (4%), HCV (2.25%), Co infection HBV and HCV (1%). However, data determining the seroprevalence rate across both commun ity and healthcare settings remain limited, hence the need of this research. The findings align with the World Health Organization as well as other organisms fighting for the elimination of viral Hepatitis such as the Centre of Disease Control and Preventi on.