[Hepatitis C in primary care: a study of carriers and their families].
OBJECTIVE
A clinical epidemiological study at a health centre of carriers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies. The prevalence of HCV antibodies in immediate family members.


METHODS
Crossover and descriptive.


METHODS
Chopera I Primary Care team. PATIENTS AND FAMILY MEMBERS: 37 carriers of HCV antibodies in the Centre's records. 52 family members of 21 carriers.


RESULTS
A form containing the clinical and epidemiological data of each carrier was filled out. The diagnosis of HCV infection was made at the Health Centre in 72.22% of cases. 80% evolved towards a chronic hepatitis. 56.75% had a history of parenteral transmission. 37.75% had no history of risk factors. The epidemiological data of the family members was recorded and transaminasaemia and the HCV antibodies were determined. Four cases (8.33%) with altered transaminase and three cases (6.82%) of positive antibodies were found.


CONCLUSIONS
Existence of a high percentage of Hepatitis C of no known origin and a greater prevalence of carriers among family contacts than in the population as a whole. Essential role of Primary Care in the detection and follow-up of HCV carriers. A need for definitive studies on sexual transmission and the possible existence of other transmission routes. The setting-up of preventive measures against these routes.
Gómez
A M
AM
Centro de Salud de la Chopera, Alcobendas, Madrid.
González Marco
J J
JJ
Moreno González
E
E
Gómez López
E
E
Sánchez Sánchez
A
A
Cirujano Pita
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002353:Carrier State / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016036:Seroepidemiologic Studies; D013030:Spain / Q000453:epidemiology; D013383:Suburban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies
Hepatitis C en atención primaria: estudio de los portadores y sus familiares.