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Updated: May 25, 2026
11:14
Detection of Low Copy Number Integrated Viral DNA Formed by In Vitro Hepatitis B Infection
Published on: November 7, 2018
Chronic hepatitis B infection and pregnancy
Michelle L Giles1, Kumar Visvanathan, Sharon R Lewin
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Monash Medical Centre, and Infectious Disease Unit, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. m.giles@alfred.org.au
Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey
|January 27, 2012
Summary
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects millions globally, particularly women of reproductive age. This review focuses on managing HBV in pregnant women, including antiviral safety and reducing perinatal transmission.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection impacts 350-400 million people worldwide.
- Females of reproductive age in high endemicity regions are key for perinatal HBV transmission.
- Management of chronic HBV in pregnant women presents unique challenges regarding treatment safety and disease impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review mechanisms and timing of perinatal HBV infection.
- To evaluate interventions, including antiviral therapy, for reducing mother-to-child HBV transmission.
- To summarize immunological changes during pregnancy and their effect on HBV natural history.
- To detail safety data of antiviral therapies for HBV in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies and clinical data.
- Analysis of immunological changes during pregnancy and postpartum.
- Evaluation of antiviral efficacy and safety profiles for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Synthesis of current guidelines and emerging research on HBV management in reproduction.
Main Results:
- Perinatal HBV transmission is a significant concern, especially in endemic areas.
- Antiviral therapies show promise in reducing HBV transmission beyond standard prophylaxis (vaccination and immunoglobulin).
- Pregnancy-associated immune modulation can influence HBV natural history.
- Limited but growing data exists on the safety of specific antivirals during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Conclusions:
- Careful consideration of maternal and fetal/infant outcomes is crucial when selecting antiviral therapy for HBV in women of reproductive age.
- Further research is needed to establish comprehensive safety and efficacy data for antivirals in pregnant and breastfeeding populations.
- Optimizing strategies to prevent perinatal HBV transmission requires integrating antiviral therapy with vaccination and immunoglobulin prophylaxis.
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