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A case of vertical transmission of hepatitis A virus infection
1Paediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, University of Istanbul, Turkey.
Insights
A 2.5-month-old infant presented with jaundice, diagnosed with hepatitis A. Maternal infection before birth is suggested due to the infant
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a significant public health concern.
- Neonatal hepatitis A is rare, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- A 2.5-month-old male infant developed jaundice shortly after birth.
- Clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and liver biopsy confirmed hepatitis.
- Anti-HAV IgM antibodies confirmed acute hepatitis A infection.
Findings:
- The infant's mother experienced acute icteric hepatitis A one week prior to delivery.
- The short viremic phase of HAV (approximately 7 days) suggests prenatal transmission.
- This case suggests intrauterine hepatitis A virus infection.
Implications:
- Highlights the possibility of vertical transmission of hepatitis A.
- Emphasizes the need for considering maternal hepatitis A in neonatal jaundice.
- Informs strategies for preventing perinatal hepatitis A transmission.
Abstract:
We present a case of hepatitis A infection in a 2.5-month-old male who became icteric after 18 d of birth. The diagnosis of hepatitis A was made by compatible clinical symptoms, laboratory results and liver biopsy showing evidence of hepatitis, and confirmed by detection of anti-HAV IgM antibodies. Because the mother had an acute icteric hepatitis A 1 week before delivery, and the viraemic phase of hepatitis A infection is very short, approximately 7 d, we suggest that the infant was infected by his mother, before birth.