Patient's question:
Can patients with hepatitis B surface antigen positive (HBsAg positive) breastfeed? They received globulin during pregnancy and at birth. If they breastfeed, will they be infected?Doctor's answer:
(1) Bloodborne transmission is the most common route of spread, such as through the transfusion of whole blood, plasma, serum, or other blood products via bloodborne anesthesia. Experiments have shown that even trace amounts of blood containing hepatitis B virus can lead to the spread of hepatitis B.(2) Healthcare-associated transmission, such as medical devices contaminated with hepatitis B virus that undergo incomplete sterilization or improper handling, can lead to spread; hemodialysis patients are often targets of hepatitis B transmission.
(3) Vertical transmission, such as a carrier mother spreading the virus to newborns through the birth canal or transmitting hepatitis to the fetus during late pregnancy.