Hepatitis B percentage of infants born to mothers with hepatitis B virus testing positive

Last updated on Thursday, 20 November 2025 at 03:55pm

Summary

• Topic: Hepatitis-B
• Category: testing
• API name: hepatitis-b_testing_motherToChildTransmissionRate

Rationale

This metric shows the proportion of eligible infants born to mothers with hepatitis B virus testing positive for hepatitis B virus in England. This metric helps to monitor the effectiveness of measures to prevent mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B.

Definition

The percentage of babies born to mothers with hepatitis B who test positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at follow up, usually around 12 months of age.

Methodology

Data come from follow up testing of babies born to hepatitis B positive mothers. The number of babies testing positive is divided by the total number of babies tested.

Caveats

Not all babies return for follow up testing. Low case numbers can cause big changes between years. Results depend on the completeness of timing and testing.