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Published on: November 7, 2018

Evidence against breast-feeding as a mechanism for vertical transmission of hepatitis B

R P Beasley, C E Stevens, I S Shiao

    Lancet (London, England)
    |October 18, 1975
    PubMed

    Insights

    Breast-feeding does not increase the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigenaemia in infants born to carrier mothers. This study found no link between breastfeeding and HBV transmission or antigenaemia in infants.

    Area of Science:

    • Hepatology
    • Pediatrics
    • Virology

    Background:

    • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern.
    • Infants born to mothers who are carriers of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) are at high risk of vertical transmission.
    • The role of breastfeeding in HBV transmission to infants of carrier mothers remains a concern for public health.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the association between breastfeeding and the development of hepatitis B antigenaemia in infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers.
    • To determine if breastfeeding influences the rate of HBV infection or carrier status in newborns.

    Main Methods:

    • A follow-up study involving 147 infants born to known HBsAg-carrier mothers.
    • Infants were monitored for antigenaemia (presence of HBsAg) at three months of age or older.
    • Serum specimens were collected and analyzed, alongside data on maternal HBsAg titre, cord-blood status, and sibling prevalence.

    Main Results:

    • No statistically significant evidence was found linking breastfeeding to the development of antigenaemia in infants.
    • The frequency of acquiring HBsAg and anti-HBs was similar in both breastfed and non-breastfed infants.
    • Maternal HBsAg titre, cord-blood positivity, and sibling HBV prevalence did not differ based on infant feeding status. All tested breast milk samples were HBsAg-negative.

    Conclusions:

    • Breastfeeding is unlikely to be a significant risk factor for hepatitis B virus transmission to infants of carrier mothers.
    • Current findings support the safety of breastfeeding for infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers.
    • Further research may explore other potential transmission routes and protective measures.

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