[Hepatitis C in primary care: a study of carriers and their families]

A clinical epidemiological study at a health centre of carriers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies. The prevalence of HCV antibodies in immediate family members.

Crossover and descriptive.

Chopera I Primary Care team. PATIENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS: 37 carriers of HCV antibodies in the Centre's records. 52 family members of 21 carriers.

A form containing the clinical and epidemiological data of each carrier was filled out. The diagnosis of HCV infection was made at the Health Centre in 72.22% of cases. 80% evolved towards a chronic hepatitis. 56.75% had a history of parenteral transmission. 37.75% had no history of risk factors. The epidemiological data of the family members was recorded and transaminasaemia and the HCV antibodies were determined. Four cases (8.33%) with altered transaminase and three cases (6.82%) of positive antibodies were found.

Existence of a high percentage of Hepatitis C of no known origin and a greater prevalence of carriers among family contacts than in the population as a whole. Essential role of Primary Care in the detection and follow-up of HCV carriers. A need for definitive studies on sexual transmission and the possible existence of other transmission routes. The setting-up of preventive measures against these routes.