title: [The prevalence of HCV antibodies in 3 groups with distinct patterns of sexual activity].
abstract: We studied the prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) among 164 heterosexual partners of anti-HCV-positive subjects, 131 prostitutes and 52 homosexual men. 6.7% of heterosexual monogamous partners had anti-HCV; the seropositivity rate was associated with a long-term sexual practice and with age. Of the 131 prostitutes, 6 (4.6%) had anti-HCV; there were significant associations in patients positive for anti-HCV, with a history of parenteral drug addiction. 11.5% of homosexual men were anti-HCV positive; there were significant associations with positivity for antibodies to HIV, intravenous drug abuse and with the number of sexual partners. We concluded that the HCV may be transmitted by sexual route, but the high seroprevalence among prostitutes and homosexuals may be explained by other parenteral mechanisms.
authors.affiliation: Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Valle del Nalón, Langreo.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Riestra
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rodríguez
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Palacios
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Cárcaba
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Suárez
authors.forename: C A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Navascués
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pérez
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rodrigo
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D011477:Sex Work / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000502:physiology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies
vernacular_title: Prevalencia del antiVCH en tres grupos con distintos patrones de actividad sexual.