Which virus has a 90% transplacental infection rate when found in an infected mother?

Which virus has a 90% transplacental infection rate when found in an infected mother?

• A. Hepatitis A
• B. Hepatitis B
• C. Hepatitis D
• D. Hepatitis G

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is Hepatitis B. This virus is known for its high transplacental infection rate, which can reach up to 90% if a pregnant woman is infected at the time of delivery or during the third trimester. Hepatitis B is a DNA virus and is particularly dangerous during pregnancy because it can be transmitted from the mother to the fetus, leading to serious complications such as chronic hepatitis and liver disease in the newborn. The ability of Hepatitis B to cross the placenta and infect the fetus stems from its persistence in the maternal blood and the mechanisms it employs to evade the maternal immune response. This is in contrast to other hepatitis viruses, which do not typically demonstrate such a high rate of transplacental transmission. Understanding the implications of vertical transmission is crucial for maternal health management and prevention strategies in pregnant women who are Hepatitis B positive.

The correct answer is Hepatitis B. This virus is known for its high transplacental infection rate, which can reach up to 90% if a pregnant woman is infected at the time of delivery or during the third trimester. Hepatitis B is a DNA virus and is particularly dangerous during pregnancy because it can be transmitted from the mother to the fetus, leading to serious complications such as chronic hepatitis and liver disease in the newborn.

The ability of Hepatitis B to cross the placenta and infect the fetus stems from its persistence in the maternal blood and the mechanisms it employs to evade the maternal immune response. This is in contrast to other hepatitis viruses, which do not typically demonstrate such a high rate of transplacental transmission. Understanding the implications of vertical transmission is crucial for maternal health management and prevention strategies in pregnant women who are Hepatitis B positive.