title: Maternal-fetal transmission of hepatitis C infection: what is so special about babies?
abstract: Children with hepatitis C virus infection often differ from adults regarding the rate of viral clearance, duration of infection, and the progression to cirrhosis. In the pediatric population, vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus infection from mother to infant is the most common route of infection. In the present review, we explore the factors that may influence the natural history of hepatitis C virus infection in children who acquire the infection through maternal-fetal transmission. There is particular focus on how viral diversity and the infant immune system may affect viral transmission. An enhanced understanding of maternal-fetal transmission of hepatitis C virus infection has the potential to affect effective drug and vaccine development for both children and adults.
authors.affiliation: *Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia †Merck Sharp & Dohme, Philadelphia, PA.
authors.forename: Jessica W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Wen
authors.forename: Barbara A
authors.initials: BA
authors.lastname: Haber
mesh_terms: D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus; D016174:Hepacivirus; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000821:virology*