Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
11:14

Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection

Published on: November 7, 2018

Horizontal transmission of hepatitis B virus in children with chronic hepatitis B

Tumay Doganci1, Gulnar Uysal, Tayfun Kir

  • 1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, SSK Ankara Children's Hospital, 06018 Ankara, Turkey.

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|January 8, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Horizontal transmission of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is common in pediatric cases. This study highlights intrafamilial spread, emphasizing the need for broader childhood prevention programs beyond newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern, particularly in endemic regions.
  • Understanding intrafamilial transmission is crucial for effective prevention strategies in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the intrafamilial transmission patterns of chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection in children.
  • To identify the role of parental and sibling HBsAg positivity in pediatric HBV cases.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive retrospective study was conducted involving 302 children with chronic HBV infection from 251 families.
  • Data were collected from children and their parents attending two hospitals in Ankara between December 1998 and May 2000.
  • Diagnosis and screening for chronic HBV infection followed the Consensus 2000 guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Mothers were HBsAg positive in 38% of cases, and fathers were HBsAg positive in 23% of cases.
  • When both parents were HBsAg positive, 61% of families had at least two siblings with HBV infection.
  • These findings suggest significant horizontal transmission within families.

Conclusions:

  • Horizontal transmission of Hepatitis B Virus is prevalent in pediatric chronic infections in moderately endemic countries.
  • This study represents one of the largest observed series on horizontal transmission in pediatric chronic HBV infection in Turkey.
  • Preventive programs should extend beyond the newborn period to encompass all stages of childhood.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Modeling Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Non-Hepatic 293T-NE-3NRs Cells09:02

Modeling Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Non-Hepatic 293T-NE-3NRs Cells

Published on: June 5, 2020

A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target11:34

A Competent Hepatocyte Model Examining Hepatitis B Virus Entry through Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide as a Therapeutic Target

Published on: May 10, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Transmission of Pathogens01:24

Transmission of Pathogens

Pathogens spread from their reservoirs to susceptible hosts through three main routes: contact transmission, vehicle transmission, and vector transmission. Each route involves distinct mechanisms of transfer.Contact TransmissionThis category includes direct contact, indirect contact, and droplet transmission:Direct contact involves immediate physical interaction between individuals—such as a handshake—which can spread pathogens like Streptococcus pyogenes, the bacterium responsible for...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Chickenpox01:20

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an acute, highly contagious disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), a double-stranded DNA virus belonging to the Herpesviridae family. Its transmission occurs primarily through the inhalation of respiratory droplets or direct contact with vesicular fluid from skin lesions. The incubation period typically ranges from 10 to 21 days, during which the virus replicates and disseminates through sequential phases within the host. Although generally self-limiting in children,...
Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...