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[Vertical transmission of the hepatitis C virus]

G Benaglia1, I Dodi, M L Tanzi

  • 1Divisone Pediatrica, Azienda Ospedaliera di Parma.

Acta Bio-Medica De L'Ateneo Parmense : Organo Della Societa Di Medicina E Scienze Naturali Di Parma
|June 27, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C (HCV) can transmit vertically from mother to child, especially with high viral load or HIV coinfection. Vaginal delivery and breastfeeding do not increase this risk.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases
  • Virology

Context:

  • Childhood hepatitis C (HCV) incidence is approximately 0.4%.
  • Vertical transmission is a significant, though variable, route of pediatric HCV infection.
  • Factors influencing vertical HCV transmission include maternal viral load and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection.

Purpose:

  • To prospectively evaluate the incidence and risk factors of vertical hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in infants.
  • To assess the role of maternal HCV viral load, HIV coinfection, delivery mode, and breastfeeding in vertical transmission.

Summary:

  • A study followed 97 infants born to mothers with HCV between 1996-1999.
  • Five infants (5.15%) acquired HCV vertically.
  • Vertical transmission rates were higher with increased maternal HCV viral load or HIV coinfection; vaginal delivery and breastfeeding were not identified as additional risk factors.

Impact:

  • Findings clarify that vaginal delivery and breastfeeding do not pose an increased risk for vertical HCV transmission.
  • Highlights the importance of maternal HCV viral load and HIV coinfection as key predictors of infant HCV infection.
  • Informs clinical management and counseling for pregnant women with hepatitis C.

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