Vol. 38 No. 3 (2021): Junio
Infectology Update

Vertical transmission of hepatitis B: the importance of incorporating screening during pregnancy in Chile

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  • Rocío Castro V,
  • Javiera Faret C,
  • Fernando Abarzúa Camus
Rocío Castro V
Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Región de La Araucanía
Bio
Javiera Faret C
Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Región de La Araucanía
Bio
Fernando Abarzúa Camus
Hospital Hernán Henríquez Aravena, Temuco
Bio

Published 2021-07-09

Keywords

How to Cite

1.
Castro V R, Faret C J, Abarzúa Camus F. Vertical transmission of hepatitis B: the importance of incorporating screening during pregnancy in Chile. Rev. Chilena. Infectol. [Internet]. 2021 Jul. 9 [cited 2026 Jan. 9];38(3). Available from: https://revinf.cl/index.php/revinf/article/view/1031

Copyright (c) 2021 Rocío Castro V, Javiera Faret C, Fernando Abarzúa Camus

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Half of cases of hepatitis B around the world are produced from vertical transmission; and 90% of them can evolve to chronic hepatitis and their long term complications. Postpartum immunoprophylaxis (immunoglobulin and vaccine) is the most effective preventive measure. However, despite this prophylaxis, vertical transmission is possible if the mother presents a high viral load or e-antigen. This risk can be reduced only if screening during pregnancy and treatment if needed, are incorporated. In 2019, vaccination for hepatitis B in newborn was incorporated in Chile, but not yet prenatal screening, unlike developed countries. Chile has experienced a growth in immigration from Latin America and Caribbean, some countries with high endemicity included. Prenatal screening in Chile should be promptly incorporated.
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