Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA: Validation of a qPCR Approach to detect Pregnant Women at High Risk to Transmit the Virus in Mali.

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the main causes of chronic hepatitis B in endemic regions such as West Africa. Its prevention constitutes an essential element to eliminate HBV. Without intervention, rates of vertical transmission of HBV vary depending on the level of viral replication. The management of this infection is a major concern, particularly the availability of the viral load at an affordable cost in countries with limited resources such as Mali. This study aimed to develop and validate a method for detecting and quantifying HBV DNA using qPCR in pregnant women, a population at risk of transmitting the virus to newborns.