Evidence for Intrauterine Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus

Sixteen fetuses from 16 HBsAg-positive mothers were examined for HBV markers and HBsAg particles were found in the serum samples and liver homogenates of 7 fetuses by immunoelectron microscopy. HBsAg and HBcAg were found in the bepatocytes by PAP method and HBsAg was detected is the cytoplasm of hepatocytes of 4 fectuses, in one of which HBcAg was observed at the perinuclear area of the hepatocytes. From the above-mentioned results, it was demonstrated by immunoelectron microscopy and immunobistochemistry that HBV could be transmitted from HBsAg carrier mothers to their fetal offspring,the hepatocyes of which could be infected by the replicating HBV.