ABSTRACT
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 angiocathers. Sera was separated and stored at -70 degrees untill tested. Sera were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] by Abbott for hepatitis [B] surface antigen [HBsAg] and anti-hepatitis [C] antibody [anti-RCV] using second generation ELISA by Abbott. Out of the 69 mothers 15 [21.6%] had HBsAg, 10 [28.8%] had anti-HCV and 7 [10%] had both markers. In the newborns 7 [10%] had HBsAg, 12[17.4%] had anti-HCV 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