[Study on the mechanisms and influential factors of intrauterine infection of hepatitis B virus]

Abstract

Molecular hybridization methods were used to study the intrauterine HBV infection in induced abortions. HBV-DNA was detected not only in fetal liver, but also in spleen, Pancreas, kidney and placenta. The results suggested that HBV might probably pass through placental barrier or infect the placenta leading to the intrauterine HBV infection. Even a possible vertical transmission of HBV via the germ line might exist. However, it might not be the main way by which the maternal blood entered fetal circulation through placental leakage leading to intrauterine infection of HBV. In maternal blood, HBeAg positivity, especially also positive for HBV-DNA was important for intrauterine infection. But maternal anti-HBc antibody may not be able to suppress HBV antigens expression and HBV replication in fetal tissue.