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Interspousal transmission of hepatitis C in Thailand

Vorayod Boonyarad1, Anuchit Chutaputti, Sommai Choeichareon

  • 1Section of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand.

Journal of Gastroenterology
|December 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Interspousal sexual transmission of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is very rare. This study found a low transmission rate among spouses, reassuring couples about maintaining normal marital life.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Conflicting previous studies on Hepatitis C virus (HCV) sexual transmission between spouses.
  • Need to determine the exact potential and risk factors for interspousal HCV transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of sexual transmission of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) between spouses.
  • To provide clear guidance for couples affected by HCV.

Main Methods:

  • Serological testing (ELISA) and confirmation (RT-PCR) for HCV in 160 spouses of infected patients.
  • Genotyping and phylogenetic analysis (RFLP, INNO-LiPA, direct sequencing) to verify transmission.
  • Identification of potential risk factors for interspousal HCV transmission.

Main Results:

  • Only 3 out of 160 spouses (1.88%) tested positive for HCV antibodies and RNA.
  • Phylogenetic analysis could not confirm same-strain HCV infection between positive spouses and index cases.
  • Inconclusive results prevented the determination of specific risk factors for interspousal HCV transmission.

Conclusions:

  • Interspousal sexual transmission of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) appears to be a rare event.
  • Spouses of HCV-positive individuals can be reassured about maintaining normal marital and sexual relationships.
Abstract

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