Familial infection by the hepatitis C virus.

Authors

  • H P Miranda Departamento de Medicina, Hospital Geral de Santo António, Porto.
  • P Batista
  • F Oliveira
  • H Barros

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.20344/amp.2379

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of the antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the relatives of cases of asymptomatic chronic hepatitis C infection, detected during routine blood donation, and determine risk factors for the presence of the infection in the family setting. Two hundred and eighty-five relatives (spouses, offspring, siblings and parents) of 87 index cases were studied. Anti-HCV was detected using second generation ELISA and RIBA tests. The overall prevalence of anti-HCV in the studied population was 6.7%, higher in spouses (11.7%) and lower in the offspring (2.1%). The presence of HCV RNA was detected in 12 of 45 index cases, using nested PCR. No increased risk of infection was found in the relatives of cases with HCV-RNA positivity. Using a logistic regression model, four factors were identified as significantly associated with an increased risk of hepatitis C in the relatives: the age of the index case, and, as characteristics of the relatives, male gender, past or ongoing hepatitis B virus infection, and being a spouse of an index case.

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How to Cite

1.
Miranda HP, Batista P, Oliveira F, Barros H. Familial infection by the hepatitis C virus. Acta Med Port [Internet]. 1997 Jan. 30 [cited 2024 Nov. 5];10(1):67-70. Available from: https://actamedicaportuguesa.com/revista/index.php/amp/article/view/2379

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Section

Arquivo Histórico