Hepatitis B "by proxy": an emerging presentation of chronic hepatitis B in children

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2007 Feb;44(2):268-9. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e31802c69bb.

Abstract

We report on 6 adopted asymptomatic children in whom chronic HBV infection was identified through the occurrence of an acute hepatitis B in a family member. All of the children had serum HBV-DNA >2000 pg/mL. Acute hepatitis B in a family should alert the physician regarding the possibility of existing chronic HBV infection in other members of the family, especially newly adopted children, leading to a quick evaluation of their HBV status and to an efficacious protection of susceptible family members.

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / diagnosis*
  • Communicable Diseases, Emerging / transmission*
  • Disease Transmission, Infectious
  • Family
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / diagnosis*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / transmission*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Italy
  • Male