More than 240 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Mother-to-child transmission remains the most important mechanism of infection in countries with a high prevalence of HBV. Universal screening of all pregnant women, at-birth prophylaxis with specific anti-HBV immune globulin, as well as HBV vaccination for newborns of infected mothers are effective in reducing the risk of vertical transmission. However, in cases of a high viral load and hepatitis B e antigen positivity, there is a residual risk of HBV transmission to the newborn despite prophylaxis. This review focuses on the above-indicated strategies and on the efficacy and safety of antiviral drugs administered during the third trimester of pregnancy. © 2014 Gentile and Borgia.
CITATION STYLE
Gentile, I., & Borgia, G. (2014, June 10). Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus: Challenges and solutions. International Journal of Women’s Health. Dove Medical Press Ltd. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJWH.S51138
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