Vertical transmission of hepatitis B

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Vertical transmission of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a significant driver of chronic hepatitis B infection globally.
• Understanding transmission dynamics from mother to infant is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in pregnant women and their infants.
• To assess the rate of vertical HBV transmission in a European cohort.
• To evaluate the HBsAg status of infants born to carrier mothers during the first two years of life.

Main Methods:

• A three-year prospective study involving 5345 pregnant women, puerperae, and their infants.
• Screening for HBsAg in maternal blood and infant cord blood.
• Follow-up monitoring of infants for HBsAg status at regular intervals up to two years.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant HBsAg positivity rate of 2.63% was observed in pregnant women hospitalized for threatened or incomplete abortions.
• 16.39% of infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers had positive cord blood samples.
• All infants born to carrier mothers tested negative for HBsAg in their cord blood during the first week of life and remained negative throughout the two-year follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• While a notable prevalence of HBsAg exists among certain high-risk pregnant populations, vertical transmission appears to be effectively prevented or cleared in European infants.
• The early negativity of cord blood in infants born to carrier mothers suggests potential protective factors or rapid clearance mechanisms.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms behind the observed low rate of persistent vertical transmission in this cohort.