Survey of Impediments to Prevention of Mother-to-infant Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus by International Societies
Journal
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
Journal Volume
69
Journal Issue
6
Pages
648-654
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Fischler B.
Blauvelt B.
Ciocca M.
Dhawan A.
Ekong U.
Porta G.
Sibal A.
Dagostino D.
Wirth S.
Morhan N.
Schwarz K.B.
Abstract
Mother-to-infant transmission (MIT) is the leading cause of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections globally. The aim of this international study was to assess the impediments to prevention of (MIT) of HBV.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was developed by the Federation of the International Societies for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. (FISPGHAN) The survey was sent to HBV experts of the 5-member societies of FISPGHAN, and 63 of 91 countries/regions responded. Main outcome measures include percentage of countries having vaccine programs, timing of the first dose of HBV vaccine, availability of HBV vaccine for outborn neonates, payment of HBV vaccine and hepatitis B immune globulin, screening HBV markers during pregnancy, and antivirals to highly infectious pregnant mothers.Results:Among the participating countries/regions, 11% did not implement infant HBV immunization programs. The first dose of vaccine was given >24hours in 36% of the total countries and 100% of African countries. The recommended birth dose was unavailable for outborn neonates in 45% of the total countries, including 92% of African and 50% of Latin American countries/regions. During pregnancy, 44% countries do not screen maternal viral markers, and 46% do not provide third trimester antiviral therapy for highly viremic pregnant mothers.Conclusions:Our study demonstrated multiple obstacles to achieving the goal of preventing MIT of HBV. Comprehensive public health programs to enhance vaccine coverage rate, supply HBV vaccine for out-born neonates, screening maternal HBV markers, treating highly viremic pregnant mothers are proposed to overcome these obstacles and achieve the goal of preventing MIT of HBV. ? 2019 ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN. All rights reserved.
SDGs
Other Subjects
antivirus agent; hepatitis B antibody; hepatitis B surface antigen; hepatitis B vaccine; hepatitis B vaccine; Article; cross-sectional study; female; health survey; hepatitis B; Hepatitis B virus; human; infancy; infant; outcome assessment; pregnancy; preventive health service; priority journal; screening; third trimester pregnancy; vaccination coverage; vertical transmission; viremia; virus transmission; economics; global health; hepatitis B; Hepatitis B virus; immunology; mass screening; medical society; newborn; pregnancy complication; prevention and control; questionnaire; vertical transmission; virology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Global Health; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B Vaccines; Hepatitis B virus; Humans; Immunization Programs; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Mass Screening; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Societies, Medical; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vaccination Coverage
Publisher
Lippincott Williams and Wilkins
Type
journal article