Abstract

A Japanese boy, who was born to an asymptomatic HBsAg and HBeAg carrier mother, developed acute type B hepatitis at age 6 months. Hepatosplenomegaly and abnormal liver function tests persisted. Liver biopsy at 10 months showed giant cell hepatitis with cirrhosis. He was given alternate-day therapy with prednisolone for 7 months. HBsAg was detectable from ages 6 to 19 months, but not after. Anti-HBs and anti-HBe were not present at any time.