Assisted reproduction in hepatitis carrier couples

Chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic worldwide, and the prevalence is especially high in the Asia-Pacific regions. Despite its high prevalence, the literature regarding the impact of HBV infection on subfertility and fertility treatment remains limited and conflicting. Latest studies do not suggest any detrimental effect of HBV infection on the outcome of IVF/ICSI treatment in women having chronic HBV infection. There is evidence that HBV exists in ovarian tissue including oocyte and follicular fluid, and therefore has the potential risk of transmission to the embryo, which can explain the finding of vertical transmission despite immunoprophylaxis. Most recently, we have observed the evidence of HBV viral replication in female HBV carriers undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment. This raises the question of whether antiviral medication should be administered during ovarian stimulation in IVF/ICSI treatment cycles for women with chronic HBV infection to help reduce the chance of vertical transmission. •HBV is detected in the ovarian tissue.•HBV replication in ovarian follicles can be stimulated during IVF/ICSI treatment.•HBV is not detrimental to the outcome of IVF/ICSI treatment in subfertile women.