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Vertical transmission of HCV
A La Torre1, R Biadaioli, T Capobianco
1Department of Neonatology, Careggi Hospital, University of Florence, Italy.
Acta Obstetricia Et Gynecologica Scandinavica
|November 10, 1998
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can transmit from mother to infant, but only if the mother has HCV-RNA. This study found a 3.6% transmission rate in infants born to HCV-RNA positive mothers.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Hepatology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Vertical transmission of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) remains incompletely understood.
- Limited data exists on the virological status of infants born to HCV-positive mothers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the rate and characteristics of mother-to-infant HCV transmission.
- To follow the virological status of infants born to anti-HCV positive mothers.
Main Methods:
- Screened 5000 pregnant women for anti-HCV antibodies.
- Confirmed positive cases and tested for HCV-RNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
- Monitored infants for ALT levels, anti-HCV antibodies, and HCV-RNA up to two years.
Main Results:
- 80 mothers (1.6%) tested positive for anti-HCV; 56 (70%) were HCV-RNA positive.
- Two infants (3.6%) born to HCV-RNA positive mothers were anti-HCV and HCV-RNA positive.
- 78 infants (97.5%) tested negative for HCV-RNA, with anti-HCV antibodies disappearing by 8-12 months.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) mother-to-infant transmission is linked to maternal HCV-RNA positivity.
- The observed transmission rate was 3.6% (2/56 infants).
- Transmission did not show a clear association with breastfeeding or vaginal delivery.