HIV among Ante-Natal Attendees in Tertiary Healthcare Facility in the Semi-Arid Region of North Eastern Nigeria

Background: HIV infection which progresses to AIDS in immuno-compromised individuals is a global public health problem, particularly affecting pregnant women amongst whom the risk of infection increases greatly. This study was design to determine the sero-prevalence and risk factors of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A total of 250 pregnant women who consented were recruited for this study, blood samples were aseptically collected and subjected to serological assay for detections of HIV1/2 specific antibodies using the determined rapid test kit. Socio-demographic data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Results: Out of the 250 blood samples subjected to the serological assay 6 (2.4%) were positive with women within the age bracket 30-34 having the highest sero-prevalence of 3 (1.2%) however, women within the age brackets 14-19, 25-29 and 35-39 had 1(0.4%) each. The highest prevalence of antibodies against HIV was observed in women from monogamous matrimonial homes or type of marriage. None of the six HIV positive women had a history of blood transfusion. Interestingly, women within the third trimester of pregnancy showed a prevalence of 3(1.2%) with relatively less CD4 + T-cells counts. Conclusion: This study revealed that HIV infection among pregnant women in the study location is not uncommon; therefore we suggest that continous antenatal screening exercise for all pregnant women seeking medical attention in various hospitals should be an on-going exercise.