Perinatal hepatitis B virus detection by hepatitis B virus-DNA analysis

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Hepatology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) poses a significant risk for perinatal transmission from infected mothers to their offspring.
• The hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) system has been traditionally used to assess infectivity, but its predictive power can be limited.
• Accurate identification of mothers likely to transmit HBV is crucial for implementing effective preventive strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the role of maternal hepatitis B virus-DNA levels in predicting perinatal transmission of HBV infection.
• To compare the predictive value of serum hepatitis B virus-DNA with the hepatitis B e antigen/antibody system for transmission risk.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of maternal serum hepatitis B virus-DNA levels.
• Assessment of the hepatitis B e antigen/antibody system in pregnant women.
• Correlation of maternal viral markers with infant HBV infection status post-birth.

Main Results:

• Serum hepatitis B virus-DNA levels were found to be a key indicator of a mother's potential to transmit HBV.
• Hepatitis B virus-DNA analysis effectively identified hepatitis B e antigen-positive mothers who were at a higher risk of transmitting the infection.
• Viral load quantification offers a more precise assessment of transmission risk compared to HBeAg status alone.

Conclusions:

• Maternal hepatitis B virus-DNA quantification is a valuable tool for identifying mothers at high risk of transmitting HBV to their infants.
• Integrating hepatitis B virus-DNA testing into prenatal care can enhance the management and prevention of perinatal hepatitis B transmission.
• This approach supports targeted interventions to protect newborns from hepatitis B infection.