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Four cases with intrafamilial clustering of hepatitis C virus infection
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Okayama University Medical School, Japan.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can spread within families, with transmission observed from parents to children and between spouses. Antibody testing confirmed infection histories in affected family members.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant global health challenge.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for effective control strategies.
Observation:
- This study reports on four hepatitis C patients exhibiting intrafamilial clustering of HCV infection.
- Family members were tested for antibodies against specific HCV antigens (C100-3, capsid protein, GOR epitope) to identify infection histories.
Findings:
- Evidence suggests intrafamilial transmission of HCV, including mother-to-child, father-to-child, and wife-to-husband routes.
- Antibody profiles varied among family members, with some positive for all tested antibodies and others showing partial reactivity.
Implications:
- These findings highlight the importance of considering household contacts in HCV transmission investigations.
- Screening family members of diagnosed patients may be essential for early detection and prevention of further spread.
Abstract:
Four hepatitis C patients with intrafamilial clustering of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are reported. Antibodies to C100-3 antigen, capsid protein of HCV and GOR epitope were tested to detect histories of HCV infection. Transmission of HCV from mother to children, from father to children, and from wife to husband was implicated. Of all family members studied, three were positive for all antibodies, one for only antibody to capsid protein, two for antibodies to capsid protein and GOR epitope but negative for antibody to C100-3 antigen and one vice versa.