Syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B and C serological screening among parturient admitted in the obstetrics center of a hospital in Southern Brazil, 2014–2016

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal-infant morbidity and mortality can be avoided through the provision of adequate prenatal care. Objective: To estimate the seroprevalence of syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B and C amongst pregnant women submitted to a rapid testing in the obstetrics center of a hospital in Southern Brazil, 2014–2016. Methods: Cross-sectional study. The study englobed parturient patients who did not receive prenatal care, or those ones who had received incomplete prenatal care, with emphasis on the third trimester, and specifically those ones who underwent rapid testing during labor. The study included all rapid testing records from 2014 to 2016, as well as electronic medical records review. Results: Of a total of 1,281 pregnant women who underwent serological screening, 1,204 were tested for HIV with two reactive cases (0.2%), 232 for hepatitis B with three reactive cases (1.3%), 243 for hepatitis C with two reactive cases (0,8%) and 234 for syphilis with 18 reactive cases (7.7%). A pregnant woman presented syphilis and hepatitis C coinfection. The average age was 26.3 (SD±6.7) years old, in the 14–47 age range. The type of delivery with the highest prevalence was the cesarean section, with 738 cases (57.6%). Conclusion: Based on data from the study, it was possible to conclude that sexually transmitted infections are present in the population, and that successful prenatal care can prevent vertical transmission with adequate monitoring of the newborn.