Reverse vertical transmission of hepatitis-B from transfusion-infected children to biological mothers

Abstract

Background: Perinatal and horizontal are the common modes of transmission of hepatitis-B virus in children.

Case characteristics: Two mother-child pairs with children having received multiple blood transfusions in past.

Observation: Both the mothers developed acute hepatitis-B infection whereas children were demonstrated to be having chronic infection with hepatitis-B.

Outcome: One mother cleared her hepatitis-B infection whereas it persisted in the other. Both children required anti-viral treatment.

Message: Hepatitis-B virus may rarely get transmitted from infected children to their mothers causing acute infection.