Vertical transmission of hepatitis. 3 years' follow-up

An infant with an acute hepatitis B infection developed the chronic aggressive form of the disease. The immunoserologic findings in the child and his mother suggest a vertical hepatitis B virus transmission. The mother was found to be an asymptomatic HBs-Ag carrier but HBe-Ag negative. The importance of a screening program for HBs-Ag in pregnant women is discussed. It is suggested that newborns at risk should get passive-active immunisation post partum as early as possible.