A cautionary note to hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative test results in pregnant women in an area prevalent of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B

Abstract

Maternal hepatitis B e Antigen (HBeAg) positivity poses a risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). In resource-constrained settings, HBeAg testing is recommended as an alternative to HBV DNA testing to establish antiviral prophylaxis eligibility. Nevertheless, the high prevalence of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (e-CHB) in many countries should not be overlooked. We studied HBV characteristics and explored the potential MTCT risk among HBeAg-negative/HBsAg-positive expectant mothers in an area prevalent of e-CHB. Among 1348 pregnant mothers screened for HBV infection, 81 (6.0%) were HBsAg-positive. These women were examined for HBeAg, HBV DNA, and cord blood HBV DNA. Sixteen (19.8%) of the HBsAg-positive mothers were HBeAg-positive, whereas 65 (80.2%) were HBeAg-negative, including eight inactive carriers (HBsAg <100 IU/ml, HBV DNA ≤ 2000 IU/ml, and ALT < 40 IU/L). Of the remaining 57 HBeAg-negative mothers, ten revealed HBV Basal Core Promoter or Precore mutations, with three having high viremia (HBV DNA > 200 000 IU/mL), which is associated with a high MTCT risk and therefore qualifies them for antiviral prophylaxis. This pilot study provides a cautionary note to the interpretation of negative HBeAg test results when determining eligibility for MTCT antiviral prophylaxis in situations with limited resources and in regions where e-CHB is prevalent.