en Infectious Diseases Infectious Diseases Original Article Original Article Background: To determine the possible sources for the transmission of Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection to children in Babol, North of Iran.<br>Methods: Forty-five boys and 35 girls with the mean age of 9.2±5.1 years were evaluated from 1993 to 2004. Hepatitis B viral markers in all the family members were assessed. The risk factors for other sources were also determined.<br>Results: Sixty-five (81.3%) of them were HBeAg positive. Chronic HBV infection was found in the family members of 53 (66.2%) infected children. Chronic HBV infection was seen in 27 (33.8%) cases without any evidence of chronic HBV infection in their family members. Chronic HBV infected mothers were the most probable source of infection in 54.3% of the girls and in 24.4% of the boys (p=0.006). There was no evidence of chronic HBV infection in the family members of 48.9% of infected boys and in 14.5% of infected girls (p=0.002).<br>Conclusion: The results of this study show that more than one-third of children acquired HBV infection in the society. Hepatitis B virus, Transmission, Children, Iran 50 52 http://caspjim.com/browse.php?a_code=A-10-62-10&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Shima Soleimani Amiri 1003194753284600270 1003194753284600270 Yes Mohammad Jafar Soleimani Amiri 1003194753284600271 1003194753284600271 No Mohammad Reza Hasanjani Roushan 1003194753284600272 1003194753284600272 No