Maternal infection during pregnancy with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HBV)
is increasingly recognized as a threat to the fetus or the neonate. Blood samples were collected from
69 mothers in delivery once admitted to Mattaria Teaching Hospital, Cairo, Egypt and their
newborns during the period from May to October 1994. The apparentely healthy mothers were
randomly selected. Blood samples were collected from the cord blood using angiocatheres. Sera was
separated and stored at -70C until tested. Sera were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA) by Abbott for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C antibody (anti-
}WV) using second generation ELISA by Abbott. Out of the 69 mothers 15 (21.6%) had HBsAg, 10
(22.8%) had antiOHCV and 7 (10%) had both markers. In the newborns 7 (10%) had ElBsAg,
12(17.4%) had anti-EICV and 5(7.2%) had both markers. This study shows that vertical
transmission could be a reality and screening mothers especially those at high risk of infection is
important. This gives us a chance to vaccinate their newborns with hepatitis 1B vaccine on the day
of delivery and with hepatitis C vaccine once it becomes available. Extent of vertical transmission
needs further studies. Follow up of babies who have reactive sera or of carrier mothers is
recommended. |
