Objective: To observe the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in first-trimester villi cells from pregnant women carrying HBsAg.
Methods: Immunohistochemical streptavidin-biotin peroxidase complex (SABC) staining with monoclonal HBsAg, hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) and PCR, in situ hybridization were used for detection of HBV infection markers in villi. Positive villi ultramicrostructures were observed with transmission electron microscope.
Results: HBV was detected in 8 of 25 villi of HBsAg positive pregnant women, the positive rate was 32%. HBsAg was located in the decidual cell, trophoblastic cell and villous mesenchymal cell. HBV analog was detected in rough endoplasmic reticulum of trophoblastic cell.
Conclusions: HBV may infect villous cells in first-trimester pregnancy. It would be impossible for HBV to transmit the desmosomes.