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[Transmission of hepatitis B from an adopted child to an adult]
1Aalborg Sygehus Syd, medicinsk gastroenterologisk afdeling.
Insights
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can transmit from adopted children to adoptive parents. Screening adopted children for HBsAg and vaccinating families can prevent HBV infection.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
- International adoption presents unique public health challenges, including infectious disease transmission.
- Screening protocols for adopted children are crucial for preventing disease spread.
Observation:
- A case study details a 43-year-old male diagnosed with acute hepatitis B.
- The patient had no prior risk factors for HBV infection.
- The infection coincided with the adoption of a two-year-old child from India, who was HBsAg seropositive.
Findings:
- The study strongly suspects transmission of hepatitis B virus from the adopted child to the adoptive parent.
- This case highlights a potential, often overlooked, route of HBV transmission.
- Lack of prior risk factors in the patient emphasizes the significance of the adopted child as the source.
Implications:
- It is recommended to screen internationally adopted children for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg).
- Adoptive families should be vaccinated against HBV if the child is HBsAg positive.
- Implementing these measures can mitigate the risk of hepatitis B transmission in adoptive families.
Abstract:
A case of acute hepatitis B infection in a 43 year-old male is presented. Seven months before admission the family had adopted a two year-old boy from India, and the child was later found to be seropositive for HBsAg. The patient had no other risk factors of hepatitis B infection and transmission of hepatitis B virus from the adopted child is suspected. It is recommended that children who are adopted from countries with high hepatitis B virus prevalence should be examined for HBsAg, and adoptive family members be vaccinated if the child is found to be HBsAg seropositive.