Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B Virus Worldwide, Taking Into Account Frequency and Risk Factors: A Systematic Review

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains one of the leading causes of vertical transmission of infection from mother to child, especially in regions with high endemicity. The key factor associated with transmission of the virus is a high viral load of HBV DNA, especially in HBeAg-positive status. These indicators significantly increase the risk of antenatal and intrapartum transmission, which justifies the need for their detection and administration of antiviral therapy in the third trimester of pregnancy. It has been proven that a comprehensive approach, including timely antiviral treatment, vaccination of the newborn and administration of specific immunoglobulin (HBIG), reduces the risk of transmission to less than 1%, in accordance with international recommendations of WHO, EASL and AASLD. This review summarizes the data on the prevalence of vertical transmission of HBV and associated risk factors globally. There are significant regional differences: in Africa and Asia, mother-to-child transmission remains high due to limited access to screening and treatment, while in Europe and the Americas, transmission has been significantly reduced due to the implementation of prevention programmes. For the CIS and Central Asian countries, expanding antenatal screening, determining the viral load in pregnant women, and ensuring access to antiviral therapy remain priorities, which are critical to reducing the burden of HBV infection in the region.