Occult hepatitis B virus infection: a new challenge for hepatitis B vaccine to block mother-to-child transmission / 中华肝脏病杂志

ABSTRACT

Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) could occur in infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers after active and passive immunization, even though their serological patterns suggested successful protection from HBV mother-to-infant transmission according to the current criteria of being HBsAg-negative and anti-HBs positive. We should take into account its potential clinical impact and reconsider the effectiveness of the present immunoprophylaxis against HBV in this population. This review will focus on topics including the prevalence, serological features and probable risk factors underlying the phenomenon of OBI in infants with HBsAg carrier mothers after immunization.