Abstract: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a worldwide health problem and vertical transmission is the main source of chronic infection in Asian countries. Breakthrough perinatal HBV transmission occurs in 10%- 15% of infants born to pregnatal women with high viral load even with appropriate postexposure immunoprophylaxis. Management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) during pregnancy remains a challenge, with unique issues that involve prevention of mother-to-child transmis⁃ sion (MTCT) and safe use of antiviral therapy. Previous studies indicate that antiviral therapy with analogs (Lamivudine, Telbivudine or Tenofovir) may prevent vertical transmission during late pregnancy in highly viremic mothers. This article summarized relevant studies that antiviral therapy in preventing MTCT of hepatitis B virus.

Key words: hepatitis B, chronic, disease transmission, vertical, antiviral agents, Lamivudine, mother-to-child transmission, Telbivudine, Tenofovir, review