Intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV): a major mode of spread in the Saudi Arabia population.
Age-specific prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) was studied in 831 Saudis (441 males, 390 females; 1-53 years old) from Al Baha region, south-west Saudi Arabia. There was a gradual exposure to HCV early in life with a gradual increase with age, reaching a peak of 5.3% in the 30-40 years age group. The overall prevalence was 3.6% and 3.1% in males and females, respectively, with no statistical difference. Comparison of positivity in family members of seven anti-HCV-positive index cases (15/44) with those of five anti-HCV-negative index cases (2/44) showed a statistically significant association (chi 2 10.5 with Yates' correction). This points to intrafamilial transmission of HCV as a route of spread among the Saudi population.
al Nasser
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MN
Department of Pediatrics, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012529:Saudi Arabia
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies