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[Serological investigation on intrafamilial transmission of HCV infection]
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) intrafamilial transmission is less common than hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission. Mother-to-infant HCV transmission may be less frequent than sexual transmission.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Viral Hepatitis Research
Context:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant public health challenge.
- Understanding intrafamilial transmission dynamics is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
- Previous studies have yielded varying results on HCV's household spread.
Purpose:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of intrafamilial HCV transmission.
- To compare the transmission risks of HCV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) within families.
- To assess the likelihood of mother-to-infant HCV transmission versus sexual transmission.
Summary:
- Antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) were tested in 124 family members of HCV-positive individuals and 83 family members of HBV-positive individuals.
- A 7.3% prevalence of anti-HCV was found in the HCV-exposed families, with lower rates in those without a blood donation history.
- HBV showed a higher intrafamilial transmission prevalence than HCV, suggesting distinct transmission routes.
Impact:
- Findings suggest HBV has a higher intrafamilial transmission risk compared to HCV.
- The study indicates that mother-to-infant HCV transmission might be less efficient than sexual transmission.
- Results inform public health interventions and risk assessments for viral hepatitis within households.
Abstract:
To clarify the intrafamilial transmission of HCV infection, the antibody to HCV was assayed in 124 serum samples from the family members of 60 HCV-Ab (+) index cases (group C), and compared with that from 83 family members of 40 HCV-Ab (-) index patients with hepatitis B (group B), Nine of 124, including 2 parents, 6 spouse and 1 granddaughter, were positive for anti-HCV. The prevalence of anti-HCV was 7.3% (9/124) in total, and 1.85% (2/108) in the subjects who had no history of blood donation. None of 83 was positive for anti-HCV in group B. On the other hand, the prevalence of HBV infection was 25.33% in the group of HCV infection only, and 40.91% in the group with HBV/HCV double-infection or HBV infection. It indicates that the risk of HBV intrafamilial transmission is higher than that of HCV, and the risk of transmission of HCV from mother to infant may be lower than that of sexual transmission.