HEPATITIS B AND HEPATITIS C VIRUS Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses infect the liver. Pregnant women who are infected with hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus can pass the virus to their fetuses. All pregnant women are tested for hepatitis B virus infection. If you have risk factors, you also may be tested for the hepatitis C virus. Up to 85% of infants born to mothers infected with hepatitis B (particularly mothers who are HBeAg positive, i.e. with active infection), will become carriers and will be more likely to develop chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer.Transmission of the hepatitis B virus from mother to infant can be prevented by administration of the hepatitis B vaccine and immunoglobulin to the infant at birth, therefore screening is important. to be continued------ dr nandini shete--gynecologist