Objective: To study the infection status of hepatitis B virus in ovarian granulosa cells of female hepatitis B carriers.
Methods: The follicular fluid of 6 female carriers of hepatitis B (HBsAg+, HBeAg+, HBcAb+) was used to extract granule cells and prepare smears. The samples were detected via in situ hybridization by digoxin-labeled HBV-DNA probe. The color reaction system of alkaline phosphates was used. And the positive hybridization signal was purple blue.
Results: Three granulosa cell samples, located at the nuclei of granulosa cells, were HBV-DNA positive.
Conclusion: HBV DNA exists in the granulosa cells of hepatitis B patients. Thus HBV infection may be vertically transmitted to the offspring via the infected reproductive cells.