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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
04:11

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

A study on the perinatal transmission of the hepatitis B virus

A Chakravarti1, D Rawat, M Jain

  • 1Department of Microbiology, Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Lok Nayak Hospital, New Delhi - 110 019, India. anita_chakravarti@yahoo.com

Indian Journal of Medical Microbiology
|June 2, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prevalence in children under five years was 2.25%. Findings suggest vertical transmission is the primary cause, highlighting the need for universal infant immunization at birth to reduce carriers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global health challenge, particularly in young children.
  • Understanding transmission routes is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the age-specific prevalence of HBV infection in children under five years.
  • To analyze the relative importance of horizontal versus vertical transmission of HBV in this age group.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 400 children under five years old attending a pediatric outpatient department.
  • Testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HBs using ELISA kits.
  • Liver function tests and Hepatitis B nucleocapsid antigen (HBeAg) detection in select cases.

Main Results:

  • Overall HBsAg positivity in children under five was 2.25%.
  • No significant difference in HBsAg or anti-HBs positivity across different age groups was observed.
  • Maternal HBsAg positivity was 4.25%, with only three mother-child positive pairs identified.

Conclusions:

  • The lack of significant age-related prevalence differences suggests vertical transmission is a major route of HBV infection in young children.
  • Vertical transmission likely contributes significantly to the chronic HBV carrier pool.
  • Universal infant immunization against HBV, initiated at birth, is recommended for maximum impact.

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