How to reduce mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus

How to Reduce Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus

Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection that can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major public health problem, and it is the leading cause of chronic hepatitis B infection in children.

How Does HBV Transmit From Mother to Child?

HBV is transmitted through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids. During pregnancy, HBV can pass from the mother to the baby through the placenta. During childbirth, the baby can be exposed to HBV in the mother's blood or vaginal fluids. After birth, the baby can be exposed to HBV through breast milk.

Risk Factors for MTCT of HBV

The risk of MTCT of HBV is highest in mothers who have:

Chronic hepatitis B infection

High levels of HBV DNA in their blood

Are not vaccinated against HBV

Preventing MTCT of HBV

There are several ways to prevent MTCT of HBV:

Vaccinate pregnant women: The HBV vaccine is safe and effective in preventing MTCT of HBV. All pregnant women should be vaccinated against HBV, regardless of their HBV status.

Screen pregnant women for HBV: All pregnant women should be screened for HBV infection. Women who test positive for HBV should be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Treat pregnant women with HBV: There are several medications that can be used to treat HBV infection in pregnant women. These medications can help to reduce the risk of MTCT of HBV.

Avoid breastfeeding if HBV-positive: Women who are HBV-positive should avoid breastfeeding to prevent transmitting the virus to their babies.

Give hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG) to babies born to HBV-positive mothers: HBIG is a medication that can help to protect babies from HBV infection. All babies born to HBV-positive mothers should receive HBIG as soon as possible after birth.

Follow-Up Care for Babies Born to HBV-Positive Mothers

Babies born to HBV-positive mothers should be followed closely for signs of HBV infection. They should receive regular blood tests to check for HBV infection and be vaccinated against HBV according to the recommended schedule.

The Importance of Preventing MTCT of HBV

Preventing MTCT of HBV is essential for protecting the health of children. HBV infection can lead to serious liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. By following the recommended prevention measures, we can help to reduce the risk of MTCT of HBV and protect the health of future generations.

Additional Information

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that all pregnant women be vaccinated against HBV.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all babies born to HBV-positive mothers receive HBIG and be vaccinated against HBV according to the recommended schedule.

There are several resources available to help prevent MTCT of HBV, including:

The National Viral Hepatitis Roundtable: https://www.nvhroundtable.org/

The Hepatitis B Foundation: https://www.hepb.org/

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hbv/hbvfaq.htm

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