Transmission Of Hepatitis Research Articles

Let’s pause and think… Do we follow the right steps in developing a research questionnaire – Is it an art or a science? Insights gained from a study investigating an outbreak of hepatitis B in Central Kerala, India

Abstract Background: Medical research utilizes a lot of questionnaires, but their quality is highly variable and lacks consistent, rigorous standards such as the use of conceptual framework or any other systematic process for its development. Our aim was to apply an insight obtained from medical education to describe the process of designing and developing a questionnaire, through an exploratory process to capture various risk factors and determinants that are valid and relevant in construct, to improve the health of the community. Methodology: We followed a seven-step systematic process of questionnaire development following the Association of Medical Education of Europe Guidelines (Guide 87) with a few modifications, to explore the factors responsible for an outbreak of hepatitis B in the Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. Results: About half of the questions (51.1% [23/45 questions]) were obtained via literature review, 37.7% (17/45 questions) were obtained via focus group discussions, 11.1% (5/45 questions) were included, and 6.6% (3/45) questions were also omitted based on expert advice. Cognitive interviewing helped in clarifying questions related to electromyography, the appearance and bite – characteristic of a deerfly, and also the explanation of contact sports, in the transmission of hepatitis B. Conclusion: A well-designed questionnaire developed following a systematic process helps to achieve the research objectives, is easy for both interviewers and respondents to complete, provides complete and accurate information, and is designed with the very purpose of making sound analysis and interpretation possible. This project helped in dispelling the myths and bringing forth the facts associated with the hepatitis B outbreak.

The risk of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus infection in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a predominant route of infection for children in Ethiopia. No study has so far reported a nationwide estimate of the risk of MTCT of HBV. We conducted a meta-analysis of surveys and estimated the pooled risk of MTCT of HBV in the context of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Africa Index Medicus, and Google Scholar databases for peer-reviewed articles. The pooled risk of MTCT of HBV was estimated using the DerSimonian-Laird technique with logit transformed proportions and statistical heterogeneity was estimated using I2 statistic, which was explored by subgroup and meta-regression analyses. The overall pooled risk of MTCT of HBV in Ethiopia was 25.5% (95% CI, 13.4%-42.9%). In women without HIV infection, the risk of MTCT of HBV was 20.7% (95% CI 2.8%-70.4%), and 32.2% (95% CI 28.1%-36.7%) in women with HIV infection. After excluding the outlier study, the risk of MTCT of HBV in studies that included only HIV negative women was 9.4% (95% CI, 5.1%-16.6%). The risk of MTCT of HBV in Ethiopia widely varied by HBV/HIV coinfection. A sustainable control and elimination of HBV in Ethiopia requires improved access to birth-dose HBV vaccine and implement immunoglobulin prophylaxis for exposed infants. Given the limited health resources in Ethiopia, prenatal antiviral prophylaxis integrated with antenatal care may be a cost-effective approach to significantly reduce the risk of MTCT of HBV.

World Hepatitis day 2021 –screening and vaccination against Hepatitis B virus in Accra, Ghana

BackgroundIn Ghana, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health threat as in many parts of the world. Even with an effective vaccine, there are shortfalls with low vaccine coverage among adults. To create awareness and encourage vaccination, community engagement and public-private partnerships are needed in endemic settings to help fund campaigns and offer screening and vaccinations at no cost to under privileged people.ObjectivesAn awareness and screening exercise was scheduled by University of Ghana-based Hepatitis-Malaria (HEPMAL) project team to coincide with the World Hepatitis Day (WHD) 2021. It was to engage the community in creating awareness of the menace and offer diagnostic services to ascertain prevalence levels and provide needed clinical support.MethodsParticipants from the University of Ghana community and its immediate environs were registered, taken through pre-counselling sessions where they were educated on hepatitis transmission and prevention before consenting. Eligible participants were screened for HBV markers (HBsAg, HBeAg, HBsAb, HBcAb,HbcAg) with a rapid test kit. All HBsAb-negative participants were recommended for initial vaccination at the event, whilst the subsequent shots were administered at the University Hospital Public Health Department. Hepatitis B surface Antigen-positive participants were counselled and referred for appropriate care.Results/ Outcomes: A total of 297 people, comprising of 126 (42%) males and 171 (58%) females aged between 17 and 67 years were screened during the exercise. Amongst these, 246 (82.8%) showed no detectable protective antibodies against HBV and all of them agreed to and were given the first dose HBV vaccine. Additionally, 19 (6.4%) individuals tested positive for HBsAg and were counselled and referred to specialists from the University Hospital for further assessment and management. We found that 59 (19.9%) of our participants had previously initiated HBV vaccination and had taken at least one dose of the vaccine more than 6 months prior to this screening, 3 of whom tested positive for HBsAg. For the three-dose HBV vaccines deployed, a little over 20% (50/246) and a further 17% (33/196) did not return for the second and the third doses respectively, resulting in an overall 66% (163/246) of persons who completed all three vaccinations.Conclusions/ Lessons learnt: Our medical campaign exercise established an active case prevalence rate of 6.4% and achieved a full vaccination success rate of 66% which is critical in the induction of long-term immunity in the participants. Aside these achievements, we would like to reiterate the importance of the use of different approaches including educational events and WHD activities to target groups and communities to raise awareness. Additionally, home and school vaccination programmes may be adopted to enhance vaccine uptake and adherence to the vaccination schedule. We plan to extend this screening exercise to deprived and/or rural communities where HBV incidence may be higher than in urban communities.

FRI-184 - Tenofovir prophylaxis during pregnancy for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus: a cost-effectiveness analysis

FRI-184 - Tenofovir prophylaxis during pregnancy for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus: a cost-effectiveness analysis

FRI-197 - Effectiveness of birth-dose vaccine in preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus in Ethiopia

FRI-197 - Effectiveness of birth-dose vaccine in preventing mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus in Ethiopia

Early Detection Training Program for Acute Hepatitis in Children for the Community of Malasom Village, Sorong Regency, Southwest Papua Province.

ABSTRACT The enhancement of cases of acute hepatitis in children in indonesia encourages the importance of early training detection for parents. Training this gives information about signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis in children and necessary steps taken if a child is suspected of having acute hepatitis. Besides that, training also helps parents prevent transmission of acute hepatitis in children by giving information about ways to avoid the risk of getting hepatitis.The objective of devotion to the public is to increase the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of mothers and toddlers in the detection of early acute hepatitis in children. Methods devotion to a society used is training involving 35 participants consisting of parents, cadres posyandu, village heads, secretaries, employees ward, and nurse health centre, as well assisted by 6th-semester students from the D.III Midwifery, D.III Nutrition, and D.III Nursing study programs. Devotion steps cover identification problems, development of community service programs, program implementation, program evaluation, dissemination results dedication, coaching, and development capacity society.Results of dedication to the public show that team training increases participants' knowledge. The difference in the average pre-test and post-test knowledge is -27.7, and the effect size is -2.16, which is very significant. Besides that, intervention detection of early hepatitis in children also successfully increases the respondent's attitude with the difference in the mean attitude of -17.5 and an effect size of -1.00, which shows a strong influence in increasing attitude. The data also shows a significant difference between the mean psychomotor scores pre and post-with an effect size of -1.00, indicating successful intervention in increasing psychomotor participants' skills. Training conducted on research this success increases the knowledge, attitudes, and skills of psychomotor participants related detection of early hepatitis in children. However, it is recommended to do an advanced study with notice that other possible factors influence results intervene and expand the sample and research area for more representative results. Study continuation to notice aspect qualitative for obtain more understanding good about influence intervention in period longer time. Keywords: Early Detection, Child Hepatitis, Knowledge, Attitudes, Skills, Dedication To Public

Barriers and enablers to testing for hepatitis C virus infection in people who inject drugs – a scoping review of the qualitative evidence

BackgroundInjection drug use is the primary mode of transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the developed world and guidelines recommend screening individuals with current or history of injection drug use for HCV; however, the majority of those living with HCV in Canada are not aware of their positive status. This low level of HCV status awareness suggests that screening is not effective with current testing strategies. The aim of this review is to determine what barriers and enablers people who inject drugs (PWID) experience surrounding testing for HCV to help inform the development of an engaging testing strategy.MethodsComprehensive literature searches were conducted using Medline, Embase and CINAHL in February 2021. Included studies investigated the barriers and enablers to testing for HCV in PWID and the experiences of PWID in testing for HCV. Studies were included if they were qualitative or mixed-methods design, involved people with current injection drug use or those with a history of injecting drugs, and were written in the English language. Studies were compared and common themes were coded and analyzed.ResultsThe literature search resulted in 1554 citations and ultimately nine studies were included. Common barriers included self-perception of low risk for HCV, fear of diagnosis, stigma associated with IV drug use and HCV, antipathy in relation to mainstream health care services, limited knowledge about HCV, lack of rapport with provider, lack of motivation or competing priority of drug use, and limited awareness of new treatment options. Common enablers to testing included increasing awareness of HCV testing and treatment and providing positive narratives around HCV care, positive rapport with provider, accessible testing options and individualized care.ConclusionWhile there has been some qualitative research on barriers and enablers to testing for HCV in PWID more research is needed to focus on this research question as a primary objective in order to provide more understanding from the participant’s perspective.

THU-178 - Network transmission of hepatitis C genotype 2c and 4d in men who have sex with men in Cape Town, South Africa

THU-178 - Network transmission of hepatitis C genotype 2c and 4d in men who have sex with men in Cape Town, South Africa

Tenofovir alters the immune microenvironment of pregnant women with hepatitis B virus infection: Evidence from single-cell RNA sequencing.

Mother-to-child is the main route of the transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Tenofovir fumarate (TDF) antiviral treatment has become the most extensive choice worldwide. However, the effects of TDF treatment on the immune function of pregnant women remains unclear. Here we investigate the effect of TDF treatment on the immune microenvironment of pregnant women with HBV infection using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Three HBV-infected pregnant women were treated with TDF and six samples were collected before and after the treatment. In total, 68,200 peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were extracted for 10×scRNA-seq. The cells were clustered using t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) and unbiased computational informatics analysis. The analysis identified four-cell subtypes, including T cells, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and B cells, and unraveled the developmental trajectory and maturation of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cell subtypes. The cellular state and molecular features of the effector/memory T cells revealed a significant increase in the inflammatory state of CD4+ T cells and the cytotoxic characteristics of CD8+ T cells. Additionally, after TDF treatment, the monocytes showed a tendency for M1 polarization, and the cytotoxicity of NK cells was enhanced. Furthermore, the analysis of intercellular communication revealed the interaction of various subtypes of cells and the heterogeneous expression of key signal pathways. The findings of this study reveal significant differences in cellular subtypes and molecular characteristics of PBMCs of pregnant women with HBV infection before and after TDF treatment and demonstrate the recovery of immune response after treatment. These findings could help develop immune intervention measures to control HBV during pregnancy and the puerperium period.

THU-175 - Predicting vertical transmission of hepatitis C in pregnant women using a composite score: a multicenter study

THU-175 - Predicting vertical transmission of hepatitis C in pregnant women using a composite score: a multicenter study

Measures to Contain the Transmission of Hepatitis C in a Chronic Kidney Care Hospital Unit in the Triângulo Mineiro in Brazil: A Case Study.

Objectives: Hepatitis C virus elimination is complex. The objective was to analyze measures to eliminate virus transmission in a hemodialysis unit. Methods: Case study composed of multiple units of analysis. The scenario is the hemodialysis unit of a Brazilian public hospital. Population composed of health service records. Descriptive analyzes were performed and the beginning of the event was considered as the moment of increased incidence of HCV. The intentional and purposeful collection of information for understanding the event and implementing interventions. Results: The subunits of analysis were related to: clinical-epidemiological profile, active search, transmission routes, management protocol and results achieved. In August 2019, out of 45 patients, six were reactive for anti-HCV. All received treatment. Patients had exposure to contaminated medical equipment, objects or hands of professionals. Preventive measures were adopted and routine techniques were corrected. Situational Analysis Committee guided the management of the event. No new cases were detected. Conclusions: Strategies for the microelimination of the C virus in a dialysis environment are demonstrated and it shows the multidisciplinary efforts in conducting the event.

Overview of Related Features of Viral Hepatitis: From Pathogenesis to Prevention, Treatment, and Complications

EnglishViral hepatitis is a significant global health issue with multiple aspects that require attention. This article will provide an overview of the discussions on viral hepatitis, including pathogenesis, serologic markers, prevention and treatment strategies, and complications or sequelae associated with hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. The pathogenesis section explores the distinct mechanisms of viral entry, replication, and immune response for each hepatitis virus, highlighting the importance of understanding these processes for targeted therapies and preventive measures. Serologic markers play a crucial role in the diagnosis of viral hepatitis, and their detection enables accurate diagnosis, differentiation of acute and chronic infections, and assessment of disease progression and treatment response. Prevention strategies, such as vaccination, safe injection practices, blood and organ screening, and safe sex practices, are essential for reducing the transmission and burden of viral hepatitis. Treatment strategies, including antiviral therapy and supportive care, are discussed for the management of chronic hepatitis and associated complications.

Vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus from father to child: what can be concluded about this possibility?

Vertical hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission is defined as transmission that occurs during pregnancy or postpartum from an HBV-infected mother to her fetus or child. It is an efficient route for the spread of HBV and is responsible for most of the cases of chronic HBV infection in adults. During pregnancy, vertical transmission can occur in the intrauterine phase, by placental infection via peripheral blood mononuclear cells, by placental leakage, or through female germ cells.The detection of HBV DNA in semen and spermatids from HBV-infected men has provided strong evidence that the male genital tract may act as a reservoir of the virus in HBV-infected men, supporting the possibility that vertical HBV transmission from an HBV-infected father to his child may also occur via the germ line at the time of fertilization, as occurs in HBV transmission from mother to child. Furthermore, it has been shown that integration of the HBV genome into the sperm cell genome can compromise sperm morphology and function and even cause hereditary or congenital biological effects in the offspring when an HBV-infected sperm fuses with an ovum.Since vertical HBV transmission from father to child can be a topic of interest and of global importance for controlling the spread of HBV, this article addresses the evidence supporting its occurrence via germ cells, the biological impact of integration of the HBV genome into the male germ cell genome, and the role of maternal immunoprophylaxis in vertical HBV transmission from father to child.

HEPATITIS B IN PREGNANT WOMEN AND THEIR NEONATAL OUTCOMES. DO VACCINES EFFECTIVELY REDUCE TRANSMISSION

Hepatitis B infection during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and her infant. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B infection among pregnant women and its effect on neonatal outcomes in a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan. 120 pregnant women were enrolled in the study, and their demographic and clinical data were collected. The prevalence of hepatitis B infection was 4.2% among the study population. Infants born to hepatitis B-positive mothers were more likely to be premature and have low birth weight. Results showed that the prevalence of hepatitis B infection among pregnant women in the study population was 4.2%. Infants born to hepatitis B-positive mothers were more likely to be premature and have low birth weight. However, timely vaccination significantly reduced the transmission of hepatitis B from mother to child. In conclusion, hepatitis B infection during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and infant. This study emphasizes the importance of screening pregnant women for hepatitis B and implementing timely vaccination programs to reduce transmission and prevent adverse neonatal outcomes associated with maternal hepatitis B infection.

Strengthening the study of chronic hepatitis E

This paper summarizes the incidence, modes of transmission, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of chronic hepatitis E.

Impact and cost-effectiveness of hepatitis B virus prophylaxis in pregnancy: a dynamic simulation modelling study

In 2020, WHO recommended the addition of peripartum antiviral prophylaxis (PAP) to hepatitis B birth dose vaccination (HepB-BD) and hepatitis B infant vaccination (HepB3) to reduce mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in pregnant women who have a marker of high infectivity (ie, HBV DNA ≥200 000 international units per mL or HBeAg-positive). We aimed to evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of this recommendation and of a theoretical simplified strategy whereby PAP is given to all pregnant women who are HBsAg-positive without risk stratification. This modelling study used a dynamic simulation model of the HBV epidemic in 110 countries in all WHO regions, structured by age, sex, and country. We assessed three strategies of scaling up PAP for pregnant women: PAP for those with high viral load (PAP-VL); PAP for those who are HBeAg-positive (PAP-HBeAg); and PAP for all pregnant women who are HBsAg-positive (PAP-universal), in comparison with neonatal vaccination alone (HepB-BD). We investigated how different diagnostic and antiviral drug costs affected the cost-effectiveness of the strategies evaluated. Using a health-care provider perspective, we calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios in cost (US$) per disability-adjusted life-year (DALY) averted in each country's population and compared these with country-specific cost-effectiveness thresholds. We also calculated new neonatal infections averted for each of the strategies. Adding PAP-VL to HepB-BD could avert around 1·1 million (95% uncertainty interval 1·0 million-1·2 million) new neonatal infections by 2030 and around 3·2 million (95% uncertainty interval 3·0 million-3·4 million) new neonatal infections and approximately 8·8 million (7·8 million-9·7 million) DALYs by 2100 across all the countries modelled. This strategy would probably be cost-effective up to 2100 in 28 (26%) of 106 countries analysed (which included some of the countries that have the greatest HBV burden) if costs are as currently expected to be, and in 74 (70%) countries if diagnostic and monitoring costs were lowered (by about 60-75%). The relative cost-effectiveness of PAP-VL and PAP-HBeAg was finely balanced and depended on the respective diagnostic and monitoring costs. The PAP-universal strategy could be more cost-effective than either of these strategies in most countries, but the use of antiviral treatment could be five times as high than with PAP-VL. PAP can provide substantial health benefits, and, although the current approach might already be cost-effective in some high-burden settings, decreased diagnostic costs would probably be needed for PAP to be cost-effective in most countries. Therefore, careful consideration needs to be given about how such a strategy is implemented, and securing reduced costs for diagnostics should be a priority. The theoretical strategy of offering PAP to all women who are HBsAg-positive (eg, if diagnostic tests to identify mothers at risk of transmission are not available) could be a cost-effective alternative, depending on prevailing costs of diagnostics and antiviral therapy. UK Medical Research Council, UK National Institute for Health and Care Research, and the Vaccine Impact Modelling Consortium.

Hepatitis B prevention and treatment needs in women in Senegal (ANRS 12356 AmBASS survey)

BackgroundAlthough mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is prevalent in West Africa, epidemiological data on HBV infection in women remain scarce. We studied i) hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence and its correlates, ii) HBV screening history and serological status awareness, iii) MTCT risk and treatment needs in Senegalese women.MethodsA cross-sectional population-based serosurvey for HBsAg positivity was conducted in 2018–2019 in the rural area of Niakhar (Fatick region, Senegal). Participants were offered home-based HBV screening and answered face-to-face questionnaires. HBsAg-positive participants underwent clinical and biological assessments. Data were weighted and calibrated to be representative of the area’s population. Logistic regression models helped identify factors associated with HBsAg-positivity in adult women (> 15 years old).ResultsHBsAg prevalence in adult women was 9.2% [95% confidence interval: 7.0–11.4]. Factors associated with HBsAg-positivity were being 15–49 years old (ref: ≥ 50), living in a household with > 2 other HBsAg-positive members, and knowing someone with liver disease. Only 1.6% of women had already been tested for HBV; no one who tested HBsAg positive was already aware of their serological status. In women 15–49 years old, 5% risked MTCT and none were eligible for long-term antiviral treatment.ConclusionsAdult women have a high HBsAg prevalence but a low MTCT risk. Low rates of HBV screening and serological status awareness argue for the adoption of systematic screening during pregnancy using free and rapid diagnostic tests. Additionally, screening household members of HBsAg-positive women may greatly improve the cascade of care in rural Senegal.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov identifier (NCT number): NCT03215732.

Uncovering neglected subtypes and zoonotic transmission of Hepatitis E virus (HEV) in Brazil

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) circulation in humans and swine has been extensively studied in South America over the last two decades. Nevertheless, only 2.1% of reported HEV strains are available as complete genome sequences. Therefore, many clinical, epidemiological, and evolutionary aspects of circulating HEV in the continent still need to be clarified. Here, we conducted a retrospective evolutionary analysis of one human case and six swine HEV strains previously reported in northeastern, southern, and southeastern Brazil. We obtained two complete and four nearly complete genomic sequences. Evolutionary analysis comparing the whole genomic and capsid gene sequences revealed high genetic variability. This included the circulation of at least one unrecognized unique South American subtype. Our results corroborate that sequencing the whole capsid gene could be used as an alternative for HEV subtype assignment in the absence of complete genomic sequences. Moreover, our results substantiate the evidence for zoonotic transmission by comparing a larger genomic fragment recovered from the sample of the autochthonous human hepatitis E case. Further studies should continuously investigate HEV genetic diversity and zoonotic transmission of HEV in South America.

Advancing Staff Safety: Assessment of Quality Improvement Interventions in Reducing Needlestick Injuries Among Staff at Nyaho Medical Centre.

Needlestick injury, which occurs when the skin is accidentally punctured, is linked to infection transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Because of the associated risks, hospitals are keen to do everything necessary to prevent needlestick injuries to their staff. This is a quality improvement project aimed at reducing needlestick injuries among staff at Nyaho Medical Centre (NMC). A facility-based assessment of the incidence of needlestick injury recorded and quality intervention employed was conducted between 2018 and 2021. Quality improvement tools such as the fishbone (cause and effect analysis) and the run chart were used to analyze and evaluate improvements made over time. NMC staff have greatly reduced the incidence of needlestick injuries from 2018 to 2021 (from 11 needlestick injuries in 2018 to 3 recorded needlestick injuries in 2021). Using root cause analysis to investigate the possible cause of needlestick injury and use of the run chart to monitor the implemented improvement strategies (interventions) helped reduce the incidence of needlestick injuries among staff and thereby improved staff safety. The introduction of the incident reporting management systems saw an increase in the culture of incident reporting in general. Other incidents, such as medical errors and patient falls, were being reported using the incident reporting system. The inclusion of infection prevention and control training as part of NMC's onboarding for new employees helped in the knowledge and awareness creation of needlestick injuries and safety measures to prevent injury from needles and sharps. Policy changes and audit with feedback sharing key performance indicators with frontline team members were identified to have had the most effect.

Intrafamilial transmission risk factors and preventive measures followed by household contacts of hepatitis C patients

Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most challenging public health problem in Egypt where the prevalence is the highest in the world. Intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C occurring between patients infected with HCV and their household members sharing the same house and living conditions. Preventive measures of hepatitis C are considered the first line of defense against HCV infection. Aim assess the intrafamilial transmission risk factors and preventive measures followed by household contacts of hepatitis C patients. Design A descriptive cross sectional research design was utilized. Setting The study was conducted at outpatient clinics of Liver Institute at Kafer-Elsheikh Governorate. Sample A simple random sample of 365 household contacts of hepatitis C patients was recruited for the current study. Tool Data was collected through one tool: A structured Interviewing Questionnaire for household contacts of hepatitis C patients which included three parts; part I-(a) Demographic data, (b) Medical history of household contacts, Part II (a) Household contacts knowledge about HCV (b) Hepatitis C risk factors, Part III: Preventive measures followed by household contact of hepatitis C patient: This part is self-reported practices. Results The study revealed that;56.7% of household contacts were males, 72.1% of them were living in rural areas, 75.60% were married, with a mean age ±SD 36.73±9.18 years old.44.1% obtained secondary education, 30.7% were employees, among this group hypertension and diabetes were the main chronic illness. 49.90% had moderate level of general knowledge about HCV infection, 71.50% had low level of knowledge about hepatitis C risk factors and 90.00% had a low level of preventive measures (self-reported practices) regarding HCV. There was no correlation between household contacts knowledge about HCV risk factors and their preventive measures(r=0.031 and P=0.549). Conclusion Almost half of household contacts mentioned that they knew intrafamilial risk factors while about half of this group have a misconception about intrafamilial risk factors, while majority of them stated that they knew sharing scissors and clippers as the main intrafamilial risk factors and less than one-fourth of them knew direct contact with infected blood and sharing of special equitoothbrushesth brushes. Household contacts applied some preventive measures such as; Cover the wound with a piece of cloth or gauze, disinfect the site with alcohol or antiseptic solution and frequent and proper hand washing. Recommendations Routine health assessment of household contacts knowledge regarding intrafamilial risk factors and preventive measures therefore health education sessions should be conducted to raise their awareness regarding HCV infection and further research should be conducted on larger samples of contacts.