Reverse vertical transmission of hepatitis-B from transfusion-infected children to biological mothers.

BACKGROUND Perinatal and horizontal are the common modes of transmission of hepatitis-B virus in children. CASE CHARACTERISTICS Two mother-child pairs with children having received multiple blood transfusions in past. OBSERVATION Both the mothers developed acute hepatitis-B infection whereas children were demonstrated to be having chronic infection with hepatitis-B. OUTCOME One mother cleared her hepatitis-B infection whereas it persisted in the other. Both children required anti-viral treatment. MESSAGE Hepatitis-B virus may rarely get transmitted from infected children to their mothers causing acute infection.