Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Two Methods of Heterokaryon Formation to Discover HCV Restriction Factors
16:49

Two Methods of Heterokaryon Formation to Discover HCV Restriction Factors

Published on: July 16, 2012

Lack of evidence for the heterosexual transmission of hepatitis C

S C Gordon1, A H Patel, G W Kulesza

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, William Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, Michigan.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|December 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is uncommon. This study found a low transmission rate among partners with frequent, unprotected sexual contact, suggesting other routes like razor sharing may be more significant for HCV spread.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant global health burden.
  • Understanding transmission routes is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
  • The role of sexual transmission of HCV remains a subject of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the potential for sexual transmission of the hepatitis C virus (HCV).
  • To assess HCV transmission rates within stable sexual partnerships.
  • To identify risk factors associated with HCV transmission in this context.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 42 young adults with chronic HCV infection and their stable sexual partners were studied.
  • HCV antibody testing and HCV RNA detection using nested polymerase chain reaction were performed on partners.
  • Detailed sexual history and other potential risk factors, such as razor sharing, were collected.

Main Results:

  • Only one partner (2.4%) without independent risk factors tested positive for anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA.
  • This transmission occurred in a partner who reported frequent razor sharing with the index patient, leading to skin lacerations.
  • Ninety percent of partners reported frequent and unprotected sexual intercourse, yet showed low HCV seroprevalence.

Conclusions:

  • Heterosexual transmission of hepatitis C is extremely uncommon, even with frequent unprotected sexual contact.
  • Razor sharing emerged as a potential significant transmission route in this cohort.
  • Further research into non-sexual transmission routes like fomite sharing is warranted for comprehensive HCV prevention.

More Related Videos

Lipid Droplet Isolation for Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Analysis10:23

Lipid Droplet Isolation for Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Analysis

Published on: April 17, 2017

A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks10:28

A Cell Culture Model for Producing High Titer Hepatitis E Virus Stocks

Published on: June 26, 2020

Related Concept Videos

Retrovirus Life Cycles01:10

Retrovirus Life Cycles

Retroviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome that undergoes a special form of replication. Once the retrovirus has entered the host cell, an enzyme called reverse transcriptase synthesizes double-stranded DNA from the retroviral RNA genome. This DNA copy of the genome is then integrated into the host’s genome inside the nucleus via an enzyme called integrase. Consequently, the retroviral genome is transcribed into RNA whenever the host’s genome is transcribed, allowing the retrovirus to...
Viruses with RNA Genomes01:29

Viruses with RNA Genomes

RNA viruses are categorized into positive-strand, negative-strand, or double-stranded groups based on their genomic structure and replication mechanisms. This classification dictates how they exploit host cellular machinery for protein synthesis and replication. Some RNA viruses also utilize reverse transcription as part of their life cycle, further diversifying their replication strategies.Positive-Strand RNA VirusesPositive-strand RNA viruses have genomes that function directly as messenger...
Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...
Trichomoniasis01:18

Trichomoniasis

Trichomonas vaginalis is a flagellated protozoan parasite and the causative agent of trichomoniasis, one of the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infections in the United States. This extracellular parasite primarily colonizes the lower genitourinary tract in women—particularly the vagina—and in men, the urethra and prostate. Its structural and functional adaptations enable its survival, motility, and pathogenicity within the host environment.Structural Features and Host EntryT.
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...