Hepatitis B surface antigen and chronic hepatitis in infants born to asymptomatic carrier mothers
K. Shiraki, N. Yoshihara, T. Kawana, H. Yasui and M. Sakurai
Twenty-three infants born to asymptomatic hepatitis B surface antigen
(HBSAg) carrier mothers were followed up to determine the vertical
transmission of hepatitis B virus. Four infants became positive for HBSAg
within four months after birth. Three showed hepatic dysfunction; liver
biopsy specimens demonstrated mild chronic hepatitis in one and persistent
hepatitis in another. In six infants followed up for more than six months
after birth, antibody to HBSAg (anti-HBS) without antigenemia could be
detected. Antigenemia of cord blood strongly suggested that hepatitis B
viral infection of the infant would occur. HBSAg was also demonstrated in
breast milk by radioimmunoassay in three cases. These findings indicate
that vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus occurs in many infants born
to asymptomatic HBSAg carrier mothers, and that some of them become
persistent carriers or develop chronic hepatitis without showing any signs
suggesting hepatic involvement.
