Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus: an Australian experience.

Authors :: Wiseman, Elke
Fraser, Metissa A.
Holden, Sally
Glass, Anne
Kidson, Bronwynne L.
Heron, Leon G.
Maley, Michael W.
Ayres, Anna
Locarnini, Stephen A.
Levy, Miriam T.
Source :: Medical Journal of Australia; 5/4/2009, Vol. 190 Issue 9, p489-492, 4p, 1 Diagram, 1 Chart, 1 Graph
Publication Year :: 2009
Abstract: The article focuses on a study which examined the rate of perinatal hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission in Australia, along with the maternal virological factors associated with risk of transmission. The study included pregnant women attending Sydney South West Area Health Service antenatal clinics who were hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive, and their babies. It discovered that HBV perinatal transmission is prevalent in hepatitis B "e" antigen (HBeAg)-positive mothers with very high viral loads.