Determination of seroprevalence and associated risk factors for hepatitis B and C Virus infections among apparently healthy non-pregnant mothers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Viral hepatitis is a global public health problem affecting millions of people every year, causing disability and death. Hepatitis B (HBV)and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses spreadhorizontally(mainly through contaminated blood and blood products, sexual contact and contaminated needles) as well as vertically. Both cause considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide asboth acute infection and through chronicsequelae including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Maternal infection is a risk factor for vertical transmission.