Reevaluation of hepatitis B transmission modes: A systematic analysis

Background and Aim: Results from post-birth vaccination have indicated that the theory of perinatal transmission of HBV is largely incorrect. Current prevention guidelines on some risk factors from different agencies still contradict each other. One reason why these problems occur is that there are no animal and epidemiological research data that have pin pointed whether infections occur through this route rather than another. The present study compares two existing transmission theories based on common sense that a valid theory should be able to consistently explain the phenomena in the given field.

Methods: The present study systematically analyze high-risk populations, progress in HBV preventive practices, and HBV infection rates between regions with high and low mosquito abundance globally.

Results: A wide range of epidemiological data and progress in HBV prevention can be consistently explained by the theory of mosquito transmission, but not by the current transmission theory. 

Conclusion: These solid and consistent data strongly suggest that HBV mainly spreads through mosquitoes and mistakes have occurred in our understanding of HBV transmission. Further research is urgently needed.