ISSN 2756-3413
African Journal of Virology Research ISSN 2756-3413 Vol. 20 (6), pp. 001-014, June, 2026. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus in the Republic of the Congo: a systematic review of epidemiology and prevention challenges
Dimitry Moudiongui Mboungou Malanda1,2,3, Archange Michel Emmanuel Mboungou Malonga1, Shekina Jessica Dioukamba Darlla1, Paola Candyse Tsimba Lemba1,3, Bredin Roch Bissala Nkounkou1,3, Laure Stella Ghoma Linguissi1,4, Anicet Luc Magloire Boumba1,3
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Marien Ngouabi University, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. 2Department of Anatomy and Cytopathology, Brazzaville University Hospital, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. 3Research Unit in Virology and Molecular Biology at the FSSA, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo. 4National Institute for Health Sciences Research, Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo.
Abstract
Accepted 06 June, 2026
Introduction: Hepatitis B virus infection is a major public health problem, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) is a key driver of endemicity. Objective: To review the epidemiology and modes of mother-to-child transmission of HBV in the Republic of the Congo to identify prevention challenges and strengthen perinatal surveillance. Methodology: A systematic literature review was conducted using international databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, AJOL and SpringerLink). Studies published up to May 2026 addressing HBV prevalence, MTCT, and perinatal prevention were included. A total of 25 articles were selected based on methodological quality and contextual relevance. No standardized risk of bias tool (e.g., ROBIS or the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist) was applied, which constitutes a methodological limitation. Predefined criteria included study design, case definitions, use of validated diagnostic methods such as HBsAg serology and PCR, sample size, and transparency of methods and results. Results: No national study has directly measured the risk of HBV mother-to-child transmission in the Republic of the Congo. Available Congo-specific and regional African studies reported plausible MTCT risk estimates ranging from 2.5% to 3.5%. However, the risk of transmission is substantially increased among HBeAg-positive mothers with high viral loads who do not receive prophylaxis. Transmission may occur in utero, during delivery, or during the early postnatal period, although peripartum transmission appears to predominate. Infant vaccination has improved prevention outcomes, but birth-dose coverage remains insufficient, particularly in rural areas and in cases of home delivery. Limited access to prenatal screening, HBV immunoglobulin (HBIG), molecular diagnostics, and structured surveillance systems remains a major challenge. Conclusion: Mother-to-child transmission of HBV remains a major contributor to HBV endemicity in the Republic of the Congo. Strengthening prenatal screening, neonatal vaccination within 24 hours of birth, antiviral prophylaxis with tenofovir for high-risk pregnant women, and integrated perinatal surveillance systems is essential to sustainably reduce transmission and support WHO elimination targets by 2030.
Keywords: Prevalence; hepatitis B virus; mother-to-child transmission; Republic of the Congo.