What is the recommended treatment for a newborn of a mother with active HBV?

For a newborn born to a mother with active hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the recommended treatment is the administration of both hepatitis B vaccination and hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth. This combined approach is crucial for minimizing the risk of vertical transmission of the virus from the mother to the newborn.

The administration of HBIG provides immediate passive immunity by supplying antibodies against HBV, while the hepatitis B vaccine stimulates the infant's immune system to produce its own protective antibodies. Together, these interventions have been shown to be highly effective in preventing HBV infection in newborns born to mothers with active hepatitis B.

This proactive strategy is recommended specifically in cases of maternal hepatitis B infection, where the risk of transmission is significantly increased if no intervention is taken. Hence, the choice to provide both HBV vaccine and HBIG is essential in ensuring optimal protection for the newborn.

In contrast, options focused solely on vaccination, antibiotics, or oral antivirals do not provide the immediate and comprehensive protective measures required in this scenario, thus underscoring the importance of the combined treatment.