Global elimination of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B: revisiting the current strategy

Abstract

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major route of HBV transmission worldwide despite an existing immunoprophylaxis regimen. The implementation of immunoprophylaxis has been challenging, especially in low-income and middle-income countries, where MTCT is common, because of difficulty obtaining and delivering the monovalent HBV vaccine and the HBV immunoglobulin. Global control of the HBV epidemic will need improved prevention of MTCT. We discuss research gaps that hinder development of new options for the elimination of MTCT as well as policy changes that may help the current vaccine-based strategy to live up to its full potential. We propose that decreasing hepatitis B viral concentrations before delivery, along with HBV vaccine use, could provide an alternative strategy that would decrease MTCT of HBV.