Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks
Published on: June 26, 2020
Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus despite maternal lamivudine therapy
Syed N Kazim1, Salma M Wakil, Luqman A Khan
1Department of Gastroenterology, G B Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India.
Lamivudine given during the last weeks of pregnancy in women with chronic hepatitis B has been reported to be safe. We report a case of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a newborn, despite suppression of HBV DNA to undetectable levels in the mother by prolonged lamivudine therapy. The newborn had raised alanine aminotransferase concentrations and was positive for HBV DNA at birth which persisted until 9 months of age, despite neonatal vaccination, treatment with hepatitis B immune globulin, and high concentrations of anti-HBs. On HBV DNA sequencing, complete sequence homology and a similar precore mutation was found in the mother and child, indicating vertical transmission. Lamivudine therapy might not prevent perinatal transmission of HBV infection in every newborn.
Lamivudine given during the last weeks of pregnancy in women with chronic hepatitis B has been reported to be safe. We report a case of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a newborn, despite suppression of HBV DNA to undetectable levels in the mother by prolonged lamivudine therapy. The newborn had raised alanine aminotransferase concentrations and was positive for HBV DNA at birth which persisted until 9 months of age, despite neonatal vaccination, treatment with hepatitis B immune globulin, and high concentrations of anti-HBs. On HBV DNA sequencing, complete sequence homology and a similar precore mutation was found in the mother and child, indicating vertical transmission. Lamivudine therapy might not prevent perinatal transmission of HBV infection in every newborn.
Related Concept Videos
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Myocarditis III: Medical Management
Transmission of Pathogens
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Hepatitis
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
