This study was performed to evaluate the seropositivities and levels of Hepatitis A Virus(Hav) antibody in term pregnant women and their neonates, and the transplacental transfer rate of maternal Hav-specific IgG(Hav IgG) from term pregnant women to their neonates.

During Jan. 1st, 1998 to May. 31th. 1998, we collected the 42 pairs of sera from pregnant women and umbilical cord of their neonates in Korea University Ansan Hospital. The serum levels of Hav IgG were measured by the RIA method.

1) The seropositivities of Hav IgG were 78.6% in mothers and 81.0% in neonates. There was no statistical difference of mean antibody(Ab) levels between mothers and neonates. There was significant correlation of Ab levels between maternal sera and neonatal umbilical cord sera(correlation coefficient r=0.9285, p<0.001). 2) There were no significant correlations between neonatal Hav IgG level and other factors such as maternal age, gestational age and initial body weight of neonates.

Seropositivities of Hav IgG term-pregnant women was comparable to those of their neonates. Pregnant women and their neonates can be protected from Hav infection.