Hepatitis B Infection and Mother-to-Child Transmission in Haiphong, Vietnam: A Cohort Study with Implications for Interventions

BACKGROUND: There is little data available on HBV infection and mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) in Vietnam. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of HBV infection and the current situation of MTCT in Haiphong, Vietnam. METHODS: A transversal survey of 1721 pregnant women followed by an observational prospective cohort study of 183 HBV-infected women was conducted at Haiphong Gyneco-Obstetric Hospital. Women were followed up up to 12-month postpartum; use of prevention measures and the MTCT rate were evaluated. HBV infection in children was defined by a HBsAg-positive test at 12 months of age. RESULTS: At baseline, 183 of 1721 pregnant women (10.6%) tested HBsAg positive. Among them, 23.0% were HBeAg positive, 26.2% had a detectable load of HBV DNA, and 13.1% had a HBV DNA load ≥ 200,000 IU/mL. All women underwent MTCT prevention antiviral therapy. At delivery, 98.9% of newborns receive a HBV vaccine birth dose, and 82% received HBIG. At 12 months of age, 94.7% have received the scheduled HBV vaccines. Eight percent of infants born from followed-up women were HBsAg positive. The mother's HBeAg-positive status was associated with a higher risk of HBV infection in infants. CONCLUSION: The HBV prevalence and MTCT rates are high in Haiphong. A strong national plan to increase the access to preventive measures and to monitor results is needed in order to decrease this prevalence.