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Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection
Published on: December 15, 2023
Vertical Transmission of Hepatitis B and C-Then and Now-A Comprehensive Literature Systematic Review
Ruxandra Dobritoiu1,2, Daniela Pacurar1,2, Raluca Maria Vlad1,2
1"Carol Davila" Department of Pediatrics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania.
Background:
According to a WHO global hepatitis report, the global prevalence of hepatitis B in 2022 was 254 million and for hepatitis C it was 50 million. The estimated number of people newly infected by viral hepatitis declined from 3 million in 2019 to 2.2 million in 2022. Of these, 1.2 million are hepatitis B infections and nearly 1.0 million are hepatitis C infections. Regarding vertical transmission, it is estimated that 4 to 5 million children are infected worldwide every year from HBV-positive mothers. The United States declared that hepatitis C is the commonest chronic blood-borne infection, with an increase in HCV birth infections from 1.8 to 4.7 per 1000 births.
Objectives:
This systematic review focuses on highlighting the most suitable screening methods and maternal interventions to prevent HBV/HCV mother-to-child transmission, as well as the appropriate prophylactic strategies for newborns.
Materials And Methods:
We searched a medical database (PubMed) to find papers regarding mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B and C. Inclusion criteria were human-based studies, studies with large cohorts of subjects, studies conducted in different parts of the globe and position papers from various international associations. Exclusion criteria were non-human-based studies and non-English publications. To present and synthesize results we made use of thematic analysis and narrative synthesis.
Results:
We included 103 publications. For hepatitis B, the combination of maternal antiviral therapy during pregnancy and timely administration of HBV vaccine alongside HBIG to the newborn has proven to be highly effective in lowering transmission rates. Hepatitis C vertical transmission lacks an effective vaccine or immuno-prophylaxis, turning prevention strategies into a continuous battle.
Conclusions:
Vertical transmission of hepatitis B and C continues to be a major contributor to the global burden of chronic viral hepatitis. Strengthening prenatal care programs, improving access to diagnostic and therapeutic resources and enhancing public health policies are essential to curb vertical transmission of both hepatitis B and C.
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