Abstract
Objectives: The role of Intrafamilial Hcv transmission is still controversial, the aim of the present study is to determine intrafamilial transmission (Sexual and non sexual contacts) of Hcv in Iran. Methods: In this historical cohort study, we enerolled 270 first degree relatives of hepatits c patients as the exposed group and 270 first degree relative of normal subjects (with negative Hcv) compared as the unexposed group. Positive Hcv and negative Hcv subjects were selected of blood donors reffered to the Regional Blood transfusion organization in Arak from August 2001 to August 2007. First degree relatives were who lived with the index case at least for one year in the same house. Subjects were interviewed using a standard questionnaire acquiring demographic and risk factor information. Then serum samples were obtained from each subject. Antibodies to Hcv were detected employing by commercially available second generation enzyme immunoassay. Positive serum specimens were retested using a second generation recombinant immunoblot assay. Data analysis was carried out with spss for intra-hous hold clustering. We used fisher exact test in order to detect association between the exposure and out come of the study Results: The mean age of exposed group was 27.11± 19.84 years and 38.1% were male. The mean age of unexposed group was 29.38± 16.70 years and 51.9% were male. There was not any significant difference about sex, age, familial relation and candom use between exposed and unexposed subjects. sexual partner subjects formed 24.8% of first degree relatives in the case group. In exposed group, there is no Hcv positive but in unexposed group we had 2 cases of Hcv positive who were intravenous drug abuser. The prevalence of positive Hcv antibody among household contacts of two groups was not significantly different. (P value = 0.25) Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that intrafamilial transmission of Hcv is not the significant transmission route and sexual transmission does not seem to play a role in the intrafamilial spread of Hcv infection.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
