Lima MP, Pedro RJ, Rocha MD. Prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among pregnant Brazilian women.
Int J Gynaecol Obstet 2000;
70:319-26. [PMID:
10967165 DOI:
10.1016/s0020-7292(00)00209-5]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES
To determine the prevalence and the risk factors associated with HCV infection among women at childbirth, and to assess potential for infectivity of anti-HCV-positive women.
METHODS
A total of 6995 women were interviewed and screened for HCV antibodies. Association and logistic regression analyses were conducted.
RESULTS
The anti-HCV prevalence was 1.5% by EIA-3 and 0.8% by RIBA-3; HCV-RNA (RT-PCR) was detected in 74% of the RIBA-positive samples. Blood transfusion, race (blacks), alcohol abuse, a history of STD and anti-HBc positivity were independent risk factors for HCV positivity. Except for parenteral exposure, independent predictors of anti-HCV were a history of STD, anti-HBc positivity, a sex partner with multiple sex partners and a sex partner with a history of hepatitis.
CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of anti-HCV is higher in pregnant women than in blood donors. Sexual exposure may facilitate the spread of HCV and there is a high potential for mother-to-infant transmission.
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