Risks for transmission of hepatitis C virus during artificial insemination.
OBJECTIVE
To identify risks of hepatitis C virus transmission by semen from infected donors.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Assisted fertility clinic.


METHODS
Hepatitis C virus-infected semen donor and recipients of his donations.


METHODS
Testing for hepatitis C virus by serology and polymerase chain reaction.


METHODS
Detection of hepatitis C virus antibodies and viral RNA.


RESULTS
Hepatitis C virus RNA was detected in the semen donation before but not after purification; none of the recipients of the donors samples were found to have antibodies to hepatitis C virus.


CONCLUSIONS
Hepatitis C virus RNA can be detected in semen donations from infected donors; purification of donations before insemination significantly reduces the amount of viral RNA in the semen pellet.
McKee
T A
TA
Department of Pathology, Cambridge University, United Kingdom.
Avery
S
S
Majid
A
A
Brinsden
P R
PR
D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting; D007316:Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D012306:Risk; D012661:Semen / Q000737:chemistry / Q000276:immunology; D013048:Specimen Handling
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D012367:RNA, Viral