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Updated: Jun 1, 2026

Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
Published on: December 15, 2023
Hepatitis B virus infection and pregnancy
Stanislas Pol1, Marion Corouge, Hélène Fontaine
1Inserm U-1016, Unité D'Hépatologie, Université Paris Descartes, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, 27 Rue du Faubourg-Saint-Jacques, 75014 Paris, France. stanislas.pol@cch.aphp.fr
Prevent mother-to-child hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission through universal screening and newborn vaccination. Antiviral therapies like tenofovir can prevent in utero transmission in high-risk pregnancies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Pregnancy minimally impacts hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection progression.
- Pregnancy highlights key questions regarding HBV management and transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline strategies for preventing vertical HBV transmission.
- To review management of antiviral therapy during pregnancy and postpartum.
Main Methods:
- Review of current guidelines and literature on HBV in pregnancy.
- Analysis of antiviral treatment efficacy and safety in pregnant women and neonates.
Main Results:
- Mandatory HBsAg screening in the second trimester and neonatal serovaccination are crucial.
- Antiviral prophylaxis (lamivudine, telbivudine, tenofovir) can prevent in utero transmission in high viral load cases.
- Breastfeeding is safe post-neonatal vaccination, even with maternal tenofovir treatment.
Conclusions:
- Effective prevention of mother-to-child HBV transmission is achievable through screening, vaccination, and targeted antiviral therapy.
- Antiviral treatment strategies require careful consideration of resistance and drug absorption.
- Current management protocols support safe breastfeeding and continued maternal antiviral therapy.
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