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Mast EE. Mother-to-infant hepatitis C virus transmission and breastfeeding. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2005; 554:211-6. [PMID: 15384578 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4757-4242-8_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne virus that is transmitted most efficiently by irect percutaneous exposures to blood. Infants are at risk of HCV infection primarily as a result of transmission from their infected mothers. However, there is no evidence of mother-to-infant transmission from breastfeeding. According to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, maternal HCV infection is not a contraindication to breastfeeding. It may be prudent for mothers who are HCV-infected and who choose to breastfeed to consider abstaining from breastfeeding if their nipples are cracked and bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E Mast
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Mailstop G37, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE Today, the natural course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection during pregnancy and the prevalence of mother-to-child transmission are better known. CURRENT KNOWLEDGE AND KEY POINTS Antenatal screening for HCV infection needs to be proposed to women with risk factors. Viral replication needs to be confirmed by PCR in pregnant women with antibodies against HCV. To date, the clinical course of pregnancy and the mode of delivery have not been changed by HCV infection. Rates of vertical transmission of HCV are about 6% in women with HCV alone and 15% in women co-infected with HIV. A screening for HCV markers is required 18 months after delivery for infants born to HCV mothers. Because of the relatively low rate of HCV vertical transmission, pregnancy can be allowed in infected women. However, taking into account the efficacy of new antiviral strategies, treatment of HCV infection could be proposed before pregnancy. FUTURE PROSPECTS AND PROJECTS In case of HCV infection, a careful follow-up of both mother and newborns is required. Long-term follow-up of infected infants is needed to assess the consequences of perinatal HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Alric
- Service de médecine interne, pavillon Dieulafoy, hôpital Purpan, CHU, place du Docteur-Baylac, 31057 Toulouse, France.
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Voyer M, Nobre R, Magny JF. [Breastfeeding and hepatitis C virus (HCV): the need for a careful appraisal]. Arch Pediatr 2001; 8:66-77. [PMID: 11218587 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-693x(00)00170-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We review the available data on the possible role of breast-feeding in hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission to infants of HCV-RNA-positive mothers. Current knowledge about HCV excretion through breast milk, HCV infection of breast-fed infants by mothers contaminated after delivery, and vertical transmission risk to infants breast-fed by chronic HCV viremic mothers are presented. Vertical transmission risk by breast-feeding HCV-RNA-positive mothers is unclear: no study has been performed with the aim and the required methodology to evaluate HCV transmission risk related to breast-feeding duration. Recommendations to HCV-RNA-positive mothers who wish to breast-feed their infant are discussed in light of present knowledge about HCV secretion in breast milk, mother-to-infant HCV transmission, and historical records on vertical transmission of other viruses to infants breast-fed by their viremic mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Voyer
- Institut de puériculture de Paris, 26, boulevard Brune, 75014 Paris, France
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Abstract
In the latter half of the 20th century, HCV emerged as the most common cause of chronic liver disease, and will likely remain so. Since its initial discovery in 1989, rapid progress has been made in our understanding of the virology, epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis, and treatment of HCV. Over the next few decades, as further advancements are made, superior treatment options will become available.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Cheney
- Harvard Medical School, Division of Gastroenterology, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- N L Eriksen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of Texas-Houston, LBJ Hospital 77026, USA
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Wang CS, Chang TT, Chou P. Differences in risk factors for being either a hepatitis B carrier or anti-hepatitis C+ in a hepatoma-hyperendemic area in rural Taiwan. J Clin Epidemiol 1998; 51:733-8. [PMID: 9731921 DOI: 10.1016/s0895-4356(98)00060-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This is a study of the differences in the risk factors for being either hepatitis B surface antigen positive [HBsAg(+)] or antibody to hepatitis C virus positive [Anti-HCV(+)] in A-Lein, a rural area in southern Taiwan, an area which also has a high hepatoma mortality rate. Three hundred eighty-five patients age > or =40 years participated in hepatoma screening at the A-Lein Community Health Center during 1995. Those who were HBsAg(-) and anti-HCV(-) or had coinfection of HBsAg(+) and anti-HCV(+) were excluded, leaving 293 patients: 109 HBsAg(+) and 184 anti-HCV(+). The anti-HCV(+) patients had a lower socioeconomic status (as defined by level of education and type of occupation) and were older than HBsAg(+) patients (P < 0.05). Those with higher alanine aminotransferase levels (ALT) also had a higher anti-HCV(+) to HBsAg(+) odds ratio (OR), and a dose response relationship was found, P < 0.0001. Anti-HCV(+) patients were more likely than HBsAg(+) patients to have a spouse who shared the infection, OR = 5.11; 95% CI, 2.30-11.28. Anti-HCV(+) patients were more likely than HBsAg(+) patients to have had blood transfusions (OR = 2.66; 95% CI, 1.20-5.89), frequent medical injections (OR = 2.64; 95% CI, 1.62-4.31), or injections by non-licensed medical providers (OR = 1.91; 95% CI, 1.18-3.09). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the significant factors for anti-HCV(+) patients vs. HBsAg(+) patients are drinking habit (OR = 3.45; 95% CI, 1.02-11.60), age (OR = 6.33; 95% CI, 2.93-13.68), and frequent medical injections (OR = 2.88; 95% CI, 1.65-5.03). The transmission of hepatitis C in A-Lein is closely related to low socioeconomic status, age, alcohol abuse, spouses being anti-HCV(+), and frequent medical injections, especially from non-licensed medical providers, including both pharmacists and those with no medical licensing whatsoever. These nonlicensed medical providers sometimes reuse needles to save money, which is a likely route of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Wang
- A-Lein Community Health Center, Kaohsiung County, Republic of China
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Lodi G, Porter SR, Scully C. Hepatitis C virus infection: Review and implications for the dentist. ORAL SURGERY, ORAL MEDICINE, ORAL PATHOLOGY, ORAL RADIOLOGY, AND ENDODONTICS 1998; 86:8-22. [PMID: 9690239 DOI: 10.1016/s1079-2104(98)90143-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this report was to review the current literature on hepatitis C virus infection, with particular attention to the aspects of interest for dental health care staff. MATERIAL AND METHODS The authors searched original research and review articles on specific aspects of hepatitis C virus infection, including articles on virology, epidemiology, transmission, diagnosis, natural history, extrahepatic manifestations, therapy and oral aspects of hepatitis C virus infection. The relevant material was evaluated and reviewed. RESULTS Hepatitis C virus is an RNA virus that is present throughout the world and has major geographic variations. The virus, transmitted mainly by means of blood contact, causes chronic hepatitis in up to 80% of cases and may give rise to hepatic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in a significant proportion of patients. Although it is of limited efficacy, interferon alpha is currently the drug of choice in the treatment of the infection. Hepatitis C virus infection is associated with a number of extrahepatic manifestations that may include oral diseases such as lichen planus or sialadenitis. Although there are documented cases of nosocomial transmission to health care workers after percutaneous exposure, the prevalence of hepatitis C virus among dental staff members is probably similar to that in the general population. CONCLUSION Hepatitis C virus infection is a relatively common infection worldwide (1.4% in the US general population) that causes significant chronic hepatic disease. The dentist is thus likely to face a growing number of patients with a diagnosis of hepatitis C virus infection. For this reason it is essential for dental health care workers to be aware of the principal features of the disease and of its oral and dental implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Lodi
- Department of Oral Medicine, Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, University of London, United Kingdom
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Kage M, Ogasawara S, Kosai K, Nakashima E, Shimamatsu K, Kojiro M, Kimura A, Fujisawa T, Matsukuma Y, Ito Y, Kondo S, Kawano K, Sata M. Hepatitis C virus RNA present in saliva but absent in breast-milk of the hepatitis C carrier mother. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1997; 12:518-21. [PMID: 9257243 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.1997.tb00476.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In order to examine whether saliva and breast-milk are mediators of the vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) from an HCV carrier mother, serum, saliva, and breast-milk samples from 11 HCV carrier mothers were collected at the time of delivery, and at approximately 1- to 3-months intervals for as long as 30 months postpartum. Serum was also sampled from their children. All samples were analysed for the presence of HCV RNA, using the nested polymerase chain reaction method. No HCV RNA was detected in any breast-milk samples. In saliva, HCV RNA was detected in four of the 11 mothers (36%). These four mothers also had liver function abnormalities. Hepatitis C virus RNA was not detected in any serum samples of the children, and all children had normal liver function. The children were monitored for periods from 2 to 44 months. During this period, there was no evidence of virus transmission. Breast-milk is not likely to be a source of mother-to-child transmission of HCV. Maternal saliva may harbour HCV, but it may not result in infant infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kage
- First Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Japan
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Zuckerman MA, Aitken C, Whitby K, Deaville R, Sanders E, Glynn MJ, Swain CP, Garson JA. Acute hepatitis C viral infection during pregnancy: failure of mother to infant transmission. J Med Virol 1997; 52:161-3. [PMID: 9179762 DOI: 10.1002/(sici)1096-9071(199706)52:2<161::aid-jmv7>3.0.co;2-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
A pregnant woman developed an acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) type 3a infection during the second trimester of pregnancy. The clinical virological features are presented, including HCV RNA quantification of maternal serum samples collected during pregnancy. These findings are discussed in light of the child's remaining uninfected after 5 years of follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Zuckerman
- Public Health Laboratory and Medical Microbiology, King's College School of Medicine and Dentistry, Dulwich Hospital, London, UK
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Soulié JC. [Rationale for a trial of prevention of perinatal transmission of hepatitis C via specific immunoglobulins]. Transfus Clin Biol 1997; 4:213-9. [PMID: 9162427 DOI: 10.1016/s1246-7820(97)80084-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Vertical transmission of the HCV infection is asymptomatic, occurring in 0-25% of infants born to viremic mothers in Europe. Nowadays, the only preventive measure in to advise against breastfeeding. Favourable conditions for a seroprophylaxis trial in neonates at risk are the low viral charge and the absence of former replication or integration. Several impediments to a randomized-controlled trial should be considered: Epidemiological: paucity of recruitment; low risk of transmission; possible antenatal transmission in cases of high maternal viremia; risk for intrafamilial transmission. Methodological: complex randomization of the study groups (genotyping, quantitative PCR, activity of mothers' diseases, modes/durations of delivery and feeding). Ethical: a direct individual benefit is not clearly established; should viremic mothers be allowed to breast feed their babies in the absence of prophylaxis? the risk of the emergence of mutants or quasi-species of the transmitted hepatitis C virus in neonates; the origin and selection of seropositive plasma donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Soulié
- Centre d'hémobiologie périnatale, Hôpital Jean-Verdier, Bondy
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Tillmann HL, Manns MP. Mode of hepatitis C virus infection, epidemiology, and chronicity rate in the general population and risk groups. Dig Dis Sci 1996; 41:27S-40S. [PMID: 9011473 DOI: 10.1007/bf02087874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of the hepatitis C virus (HCV), it has become evident that this infectious agent is a primary cause of posttransfusion and sporadic non-A, non-B hepatitis. Identification and introduction of surrogate markers for posttransfusion hepatitis and later introduction of anti-HCV screening has decreased the incidence of posttransfusion hepatitis. Community-acquired HCV infection is less common than posttransfusion HCV hepatitis. HCV infection may lead to liver cirrhosis without prior evidence of laboratory or histologic infection. Populations at risk for HCV infection include patients receiving organ transplants, health care workers, infants born to HCV-infected mothers, and hemodialysis patients. Intravenous drug abusers and their sexual partners also demonstrate a high rate of HCV infection. Nosocomial HCV transmission may occur despite the observance of universal precautions. Dental or surgical intervention, salivary inoculation, family members infected with HCV, cocaine abuse, HIV infection, and lower socioeconomic status also each correlate with an increased risk of infection. HCV infection is associated with many immune-mediated diseases. There may also be some relationship between human leukocyte antigens and HCV infection. Since there currently is no HCV vaccine, prevention of exposure remains the only possibility for reducing HCV transmission and prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- H L Tillmann
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zentrum für Innere Medizin und Dermatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Germany
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Sabatino G, Ramenghi LA, di Marzio M, Pizzigallo E. Vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus: an epidemiological study on 2,980 pregnant women in Italy. Eur J Epidemiol 1996; 12:443-7. [PMID: 8905303 DOI: 10.1007/bf00143994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The risk of mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) varies according to the population studied and the tests used. Aim of the current study was to investigate HCV vertical transmission rate in children born to 30 HCV positive/HIV negative pregnant women in Italy. We investigated the potential vertical transmission of HCV by identifying HCV antibody seropositive pregnant women, by analyzing HCV-RNA in the peripheral blood using PCR and by prospectively following their offspring until 24 months of age. During the third trimester, 2,980 consecutive pregnant women were examined for anti-HCV antibodies by a second generation Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (EIA2) and re-assayed by a second generation Recombinant Immunoblot Assay (RIBA2). A total of 32 mothers (1.07%) were positive for EIA2 test; 30 out of 32 had a reactive confirmatory RIBA2 test for HCV. All anti-HCV positive mothers were negative for HIV. These 30 mothers and their 30 babies formed the study cohort. Of the 30 anti-HCV positive mothers, 10 were also positive for serum HCV-RNA by PCR. All the babies born to the 30 anti-HCV positive mothers were initially negative for HCV-RNA (cord blood specimens), but three babies became positive at three months of age and remained positive thereafter. These babies had been born to 3 of the 10 mothers with viremia during the third trimester of pregnancy. These results suggest that HCV vertical transmission is possible in 10% of anti-HCV positives and in about 33% of the HCV-RNA seropositive mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sabatino
- Department of Pediatrics-Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, G. D' Annunzio University, Chieti, Italy
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Koseki S, Taga M, Aoyama M, Hirabuki T, Hirahara F, Takahasi T, Minaguchi H, Yokota S, Ito A. Mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis C virus in human immunodeficiency virus-coinfected mother: a case report. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 1996; 22:139-42. [PMID: 8697343 DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0756.1996.tb00956.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
We report a case of vertical transmission of HCV in a mother infected with both HCV and HIV. Our case suggests that coinfection with HIV, by causing an immune dysfunction, might be one of the risk factors for the transmission of HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Koseki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yokohama City University School of Medicine, Japan
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Caldwell SH, Sue M, Bowden JH, Dickson RC, Driscoll CJ, Yeaton P, Stevenson WC, Ishitani MB, McCullough CS, Pruett TL, Lovell MA. Hepatitis C virus in body fluids after liver transplantation. LIVER TRANSPLANTATION AND SURGERY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE STUDY OF LIVER DISEASES AND THE INTERNATIONAL LIVER TRANSPLANTATION SOCIETY 1996; 2:124-9. [PMID: 9346637 DOI: 10.1002/lt.500020207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation is common and is associated with high blood levels of HCV RNA. Higher blood levels of HCV may promote body fluid expression of the virus. We tested 152 body fluid specimens from 33 patients with chronic hepatitis C, 21 of whom had undergone prior liver transplantation. All patients had hepatitis C viremia, as determined by a reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to the 5' noncoding region. The virus was quantitated in serum by the branched chain DNA assay (bDNA). Body fluids (33 sputum, 33 saliva, 33 urine, 32 tear, 9 vaginal, and 12 semen samples) were analyzed using PCR for HCV RNA. Serum HCV RNA by bDNA in the posttransplantation group was 255 +/- 229 x 10(5) compared with 50 +/- 56 x 10(5) eq/mL in the patients who did not undergo transplantation (P = .01). All urine, tear, and semen specimens were negative for HCV RNA. Five of 21 (24%) posttransplantation patients had detectable HCV RNA using PCR in oral secretions compared with 0 of 12 patients who did not undergo transplantation (not statistically significant). However, 5 of 11 patients with serum HCV RNA by bDNA results greater than 150 x 10(5) eq/mL had positive RNA in oral secretions compared to 0 of 22 patients with bDNA less than 150 x 10(5) eq/mL (P = .01). Posttransplantation patients were more likely to have bDNA levels exceeding 150 x 10(5) eq/mL (11 of 21 v 1 of 12, P = .03). Patients within the first year of transplantation were particularly prone to viral RNA levels exceeding 150 x 10(5) eq/mL (8 of 9 v 3 of 12, P = .01). We conclude that HCV RNA can occasionally be detected using PCR in oral secretions after liver transplantation. This is more likely during the first year posttransplantation when blood levels of HCV RNA often exceed 150 x 10(5) eq/mL by the branched chain DNA assay. Whether or not these observations represent an increased risk of transmission of infection during the early posttransplantation period is not certain.
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Affiliation(s)
- S H Caldwell
- University of Virginia Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Charlottesville, USA
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Gillett P, Hallam N, Mok J. Vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus infection. SCANDINAVIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES 1996; 28:549-52. [PMID: 9060054 DOI: 10.3109/00365549609037958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Since the virus responsible for non-A, non-B hepatitis was cloned in 1989, much has been learnt about the epidemiology, diagnosis and clinical spectrum of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. As the routes of transmission are elucidated, specific groups of children as well as adults are known to be at particular risk of infection. The women most at risk of HCV infection are those with a history of injecting drug use. Mother-to-child transmission has been documented, although the exact risk has not been quantified, and the factors influencing the risk remain to be evaluated. This article reviews current knowledge on vertical transmission of HCV, and provides some guidelines on the management of infants born to women infected with the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Gillett
- Royal Hospital for Sick Children, Edinburgh, UK
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Moriya T, Sasaki F, Mizui M, Ohno N, Mohri H, Mishiro S, Yoshizawa H. Transmission of hepatitis C virus from mothers to infants: its frequency and risk factors revisited. Biomed Pharmacother 1995; 49:59-64. [PMID: 7605903 DOI: 10.1016/0753-3322(96)82587-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A total of 16,714 pregnant Japanese women were tested for antibodies against hepatitis C virus (HCV), and 163 (0.98%) were positive. None of these were infected with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1). We conducted a prospective study to discover the rate of HCV infection in babies born to mothers who were HCV RNA-positive but had no evidence for hepatitis (so called "asymptomatic carriers"), and only 2 (2.3%) of 87 such babies became infected during follow-up. This rate was considerably lower than those from other reports which included mothers with clinically overt chronic hepatitis C. We conducted another study to follow babies born to mothers with chronic hepatitis C, and found two babies infected. All of the four infected babies were born to mothers who had HCV RNA in their circulations around delivery at high titers (greater than 5.0 x 10(6) Eq/ml by branched DNA assay). This confirmed the previous finding that virus load was an important risk factor. In addition, we found three families where mother-to-infant HCV transmission was suspected in a retrospective study by indexing HCV-infected pediatric patients. Throughout the seven families, siblings of infected babies were free from HCV infection, suggesting that maternal infection of HCV owes much to chance. Breast milk feeding was not regarded as a risk factor. We also assessed the prevalence of anti-HCV antibody among 6-year old children, and only 10 of 10,446 (0.1%) were positive, suggesting low frequency of HCV infection during the period from birth to this age.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Moriya
- Department of Hygiene, Hiroshima University School of Medicine, Japan
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