Predictive value of maternal HBeAg, anti-HBcIgM and HBV DNA in perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus

Summary The study of the distribution of various markers of hepatitis B virus in carrier pregnant mothers in Saudi Arabia showed that 11 % of them were HBeAg-positive, compared to 82 % who were anti-HBeAg-positive and 6 % who were negative for both HBeAg and anti-HBe. All carrier mothers who were HBeAg-positive were also positive for HBV DNA. Carrier mothers who were negative for HBeAg and anti-HBe were also negative for HBV DNA and anti-HBe IgM. From our study, HBV DNA appears to be a better predictor of perinatal transmission than the HBeAg/anti-HBe system. The rate of perinatal transmission of HBV infection was 100% when the carrier mother was HBV-DNA-positive, irrespective of the HBeAg/anti-HBe status.