Familial clustering of hepatitis C virus infection and chronic liver disease
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N Caporaso1, F Morisco, M Romano
1Istituto di Medicina Generale e Metodologia Clinica, I Facoltà di Medicina, Università di Napoli, Italy.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic liver disease are prevalent in relatives of infected individuals. Familial factors significantly contribute to the transmission of HCV and related liver disease within households.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Chronic liver disease associated with HCV poses a substantial burden on healthcare systems.
- Understanding transmission dynamics is crucial for effective prevention and control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of Hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCV) among relatives of patients with chronic active liver disease.
- To assess the occurrence of chronic liver disease in family members of anti-HCV positive individuals.
- To investigate familial clustering of HCV infection and associated liver disease.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 122 subjects from 24 families with at least one member diagnosed with chronic active liver disease and positive for anti-HCV.
- Prevalence of anti-HCV was determined using serological testing.
- Chronic liver disease was diagnosed based on physical examination and biochemical parameters.
Main Results:
- Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 32% of the studied subjects.
- Among those with anti-HCV, 82% exhibited chronic liver disease.
- Prevalence of anti-HCV was higher in spouses, parents, and siblings compared to offspring.
Conclusions:
- Familial clustering of HCV infection and chronic liver disease is evident.
- Environmental and behavioral factors within the family setting likely contribute to HCV transmission.
- These findings highlight the importance of family-centered screening and intervention for Hepatitis C.
Abstract:
The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) and of chronic liver disease in relatives of anti-HCV positive subjects suffering from chronic active liver disease. We studied 122 subjects from 24 families. Each family had at least one positive anti-HCV component with histologically proven chronic liver disease. Anti-HCV was found in 32% of subjects; 82% of these were suffering from chronic liver disease diagnosed on the basis of physical examination and biochemical parameters. Prevalence of anti-HCV was higher in spouses, parents, and siblings of the index case as compared to the offspring. In conclusion, the transmission of HCV infection and of HCV-related chronic liver disease is contributed to by factors associated with the familial environment.