Novel insights in the prevention of perinatal transmission of hepatitis B

Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is major contributor to the growing burden of chronic hepatitis B worldwide. Administration of HBV immunoglobulin and HBV vaccination as soon after pregnancy as possible are the mainstay of prevention of perinatal transmission of HBV infection. In women with high viral loads, antiviral prophylaxis also appears to be useful. Lamivudine, telbivudine and tenofovir have been shown to be both safe and effective in this setting but tenofovir is the first-line option due to its low potential for resistance and more favorable safety profile.

Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus （HBV） in-fection is major contributor to the growing burden of chronic hepatitis B worldwide. Administration of HBV immunoglobulin and HBV vaccination as soon after pre-gnancy as possible are the mainstay of prevention of perinatal transmission of HBV infection. In women with high viral loads, antiviral prophylaxis also appears to be useful. Lamivudine, telbivudine and tenofovir have been shown to be both safe and effective in this setting but tenofovir is the frst-line option due to its low potential for resistance and more favorable safety profle.