Can Hepatitis B in Fathers Be Inherited by Their Children?

Talking about Hepatitis B, many people may feel a sense of fear. Although it is not unfamiliar to us, not many people truly understand Hepatitis B, which may lead to inadvertently violating its contraindications and contracting the disease. It is well known that Hepatitis B can be easily transmitted vertically from mother to child. However, the question remains: can Hepatitis B be transmitted from father to child? In general, Hepatitis B contracted by the father is not inherited by the child, but it can be transmitted.

First, Hepatitis B is not an inheritable disease, but it can be transmitted from father to child. Vertical transmission of Hepatitis B includes mother-to-child transmission and father-to-child transmission. There have been extensive studies on the routes and prevention methods of mother-to-child vertical transmission both domestically and internationally. Some recent domestic studies have shown that newborns of mothers who are not Hepatitis B carriers can still contract Hepatitis B during vertical transmission. In fact, the likelihood of father-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B is even higher than mother-to-child transmission, and it is more likely to result in lifelong carriage. However, father-to-child transmission of Hepatitis B is still considered a contagious process of an infectious disease and has not been classified as an inheritable disease. Effective treatment can block vertical transmission between father and child.

Second, there are several routes of Hepatitis B transmission:

1. Mother-to-child transmission is the most important route of transmission. Mothers are the main source of family clustering, and about 30% to 50% of Hepatitis B patients in China are caused by mother-to-child transmission. More than 90% of adult cirrhosis and liver cancer cases are due to Hepatitis B infection during infancy.

2. Father-to-child transmission generally requires two necessary conditions: first, the child's immune system is not fully developed, or the child inherits a defect in immunity to Hepatitis B, allowing for infection through contact with the virus in daily life. Second, damage to the child's skin and mucous membranes provides an opportunity for Hepatitis B transmission. This type of close contact transmission mainly occurs in younger children with immature immune systems, so it should be a cause for concern.

3. Iatrogenic transmission can occur in hospitals due to the use of medical instruments that have not been properly disinfected and have been contaminated with HBV. This includes surgical instruments, dental equipment, blood sampling needles, acupuncture needles, and endoscopic devices.

4. Blood transfusion transmission can occur when blood or blood products infected with HBV are transfused, leading to post-transfusion Hepatitis B.

5. Close contact transmission can occur through daily activities that involve skin-to-skin contact or contact with mucous membranes that have been damaged. This can include sharing razors, toothbrushes, and other items that may transmit HBV.

6. Sexual transmission is also a possibility for Hepatitis B patients, as it is a form of bodily fluid transmission. Additionally, kissing can also transmit the virus if there is damage to the mucous membranes of the mouth.

In families where one partner is a Hepatitis B patient or carrier, the other partner should be vaccinated against Hepatitis B to obtain antibodies.