In utero anti-HBsAg IgG Antibody Transmission from Mother to Foetus is Associated with Protection against Hepatitis B Infection in New-born Babies in Bénin Republic

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). The virus targets hepatocytes and induce inflammation. Poor management of hepatitis B infection can lead to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis or even, hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, HBV can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy. In addition, when mothers are immunized, they can passively transfer their immunity to their foetus during pregnancy. The levels of anti-hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) IgG antibody transferred by mothers to their new-born babies before any vaccination were therefore, determined in this study.

Materials and Methods: Sixty six (66) pregnant women from a cohort at Cotonou (n = 54) and at Porto-Novo (n = 12) (Bénin Republic) were enrolled into this study. After obtaining written informed consent, 5 mL of venous blood samples were collected from the mothers and their new-born babies (n = 67) at delivery before any vaccination. Thereafter, IgG levels against Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were measured in the sera of the study participants using Enzyme-Linked Fluorescence Assay.

Results: Over 60% of the mothers and 55.22% of the new-born babies have more than 10 mIU/mL of anti-HBsAg specific IgG antibodies. Seven new-born babies were not immunized whereas their mothers were immunized. None of the mothers and the new-born babies was hepatitis B positive.

Conclusion: Mother-to-child passive acquisition of anti-HBsAg specific IgG antibodies could be associated with protection of new-born babies against hepatitis B infection. Evaluation of anti-HBsAg specific IgG antibodies in new-born babies is therefore suggested to guide vaccination.