Familial clustering of HBV in families with children who are diagnosed as chronic hepatitis B or inactive carriers of HBV

The aim of this study was to assess and compare the spread of HBV infection in families with children who are diagnosed as chronic hepatitis B or are inactive carriers of HBV. A total of 570 patients aged 2-16 years and 2358 family members were included in the study. Patients were classified as inactive carriers (Group 1, 350 patients) or patients diagnosed as chronic active hepatitis B (Group 2, 220 patients). Demographic features of the families, HBV serological markers and routes of transmission were evaluated. Parental transmission was lower compared to nonparental transmission (34.8% and 65.1%, respectively). HBsAg positivity rate was found to be highest among mothers in both of the groups. HBeAg positivity and anti-HBs positivity were significantly higher in family members of Group 2. Transmission rates were significantly higher in families consisting of five or more members compared to families consisting of less than five members. HBsAg positivity of siblings was lowest when both parents were HbsAg negative and highest when both parents were HBsAg positive in both groups. A high risk of HBV transmission among mothers of HBsAg carriers and patients with chronic hepatitis B was demonstrated.