[Hepatitis B and C virological tests: interpretation and practical results in women]

Chronic Hepatitis C or B infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In women, these viral infections can be responsible for transmission to the spouse and to the child during delivery. Concerning the hepatitis C virus, the factors most strongly associated with infection are injection-drug use and blood transfusion before 1991. The risk of mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis C virus is uncommon (5 per cent): except for the viral eradication before pregnancy, there is no preventive measure to propose. Pregnancy is not contra-indicated. Hepatitis C virus transmission by sexual contact in steady monogamous partnerships is low (< 1 per cent). In most developed parts of the world where the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B infection is low, most infections occur among high-risk adult populations including injection drug users and multiple heterosexual partners. On the contrary, in high prevalence areas, infection occurs during either the perinatal period or early in childhood. The risk of maternal-infant contamination is high, from 20 to 90 per cent according to the viral load. Vaccination prevents risk of infection and is strongly advised to persons at high risk of infection. Universal vaccination of infants is highly recommended.