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Molecular evidence of horizontal transmission of hepatitis C virus within couples

Isabel Maria Vicente Guedes de Carvalho-Mello1, José Eymard Medeiros Filho, Michele Soares Gomes-Gouvêa

  • 1Laboratório de Imunologia Viral, Instituto Butantan, 05503-900 São Paulo, SP, Brazil. imvgcmello@butantan.gov.br

The Journal of General Virology
|November 6, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study investigated Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission between sexual partners. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed common HCV origins in five couples, supporting sexual transmission as a significant route.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a global health concern despite reduced transmission rates.
  • Understanding HCV transmission dynamics, particularly within couples, is crucial for effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the phylogenetic relationships of HCV strains within sexual partnerships.
  • To investigate the potential for sexual transmission of HCV between partners.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of NS3 and NS5B genomic regions from nine HCV-infected couples and 42 controls.
  • Phylogenetic analysis using bootstrap values to assess viral relatedness and common origin.

Main Results:

  • Phylogenetic analysis revealed common HCV origins in five out of nine couples studied.
  • Monophyletic clustering with high bootstrap support (>70) indicated shared infection sources within these couples.
  • HCV transmission was supported between partners in five couples using two distinct viral genomic regions.

Conclusions:

  • These findings provide strong evidence for sexual transmission of Hepatitis C virus within stable relationships.
  • Sexual contact represents a significant, though often underestimated, route for HCV dissemination.

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