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Hepatitis C transmission between spouses
1Institute of Clinical Research, Kure National Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan.
Insights
This study investigated hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission between spouses. Evidence suggests household transmission, indicating spousal contact may be a potential route for HCV infection.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant global health challenge.
- Understanding transmission routes is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
- Inter-spouse transmission of HCV has been hypothesized but requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate inter-spouse transmission as a potential route of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
- To analyze HCV genotypes and genetic heterogeneity in couples discordant or concordant for HCV infection.
- To provide evidence for or against household transmission of HCV within marital relationships.
Main Methods:
- Study involved 121 patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease and their spouses.
- Serological testing for anti-HCV antibodies and HCV-RNA detection were performed.
- HCV genotyping and analysis of genetic heterogeneity in the hypervariable region 1 (HVR1) of HCV were conducted using the heteroduplex method.
Main Results:
- Of 121 couples, 21 (17.4%) showed evidence of HCV infection in the spouse.
- In 12 couples, matched HCV genotypes were identified (10 type II, 2 type III).
- Genetic analysis of HVR1 in 11 matched-genotype couples revealed no mutations in the E2/NS1 genes in two couples.
Conclusions:
- The study provides evidence supporting household transmission of HCV between patients and their spouses.
- Inter-spouse transmission is suggested as a potential route for HCV infection.
- Environmental factors, such as marriage duration, should also be considered in HCV transmission dynamics.
Abstract:
To examine inter-spouse transmission as one of the potential routes of infection for hepatitis C virus (HCV), 121 patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease who tested positive for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) and their spouses were studied. Of these, 21 (17.4%) patients had spouses with anti-HCV. In 12 couples, the HCV genotype matched (type II: 10 couples, type III: two couples). The genotype differed in six couples. One patient was positive for anti-HCV, but negative for HCV-RNA, while the spouse was positive for both. The remaining two couples were only positive for anti-HCV. Genetic heterogeneity in the hypervariable region 1 of HCV was analysed in 11 couples with matched genotypes. In two couples, no mutation was recognized in the putative E2/NS1 genes using the heteroduplex method. The present study provides evidence to verify household transmission of HCV between patients and their spouses. These results suggest that inter-spouse transmission may be a potential route of transmission of HCV infection. However, other environmental factors (e.g. the duration of the marriage) cannot be ignored.