Immunoprophylaxis of perinatal infection with hepatitis B virus on the national scale.

摘要

Worldwide, an estimated 350 million people are persistently infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). There are two routes for establishing the HBV carrier state. One is mother-to-baby transmission, and the other is horizontal transmission during the infancy. Often referred to as "vertical", by far the most mother-to-baby transmission of HBV is perinatal. The authentic vertical transmission in utero occurs in merely 3-5% of babies at high risk (vide infra). Theoretically, therefore, 95-97% of mother-to-baby transmission of HBV can be prevented after birth, provided that proper immunoprophylaxis is performed carefully and thoroughly. Chances for HBV persistence after horizontal infection decrease part passu with increasing ages at infection ; 35% at 3 years, 26% at 5 years, 16% at 10 years and 11% at 15 years. HBV infection acquired during early infancy tends to continue during the rest of life, and can cause fatal liver disease in approximately 15-20% of them.