Sexual transmission and prevention of the hepatitis viruses A-E and G.
OBJECTIVE
To assess current knowledge about the potential for sexual transmission of the hepatitis viruses A-E and G and how to prevent any such transmission.


METHODS
A search of published literature identified through Medline 1966-June 1998 (Ovid v 3.0), the Cochrane Library and reference lists taken from each article obtained. Textword and MeSH searches for hepatitis A, B, C, D, E, G, delta, GB virus, GBV-C were linked to searches under the textword terms sex$, vaccine$, prevent$, and MeSH subheadings, epidemiology, transmission, prevention, and control.


CONCLUSIONS
There is evidence for heterosexual transmission of hepatitis B, C, D, and G and homosexual transmission of hepatitis A-D and G. Condoms are an effective method for preventing transmission by penetrative vaginal or anal sex although spread of types A and B are linked also to oro-anal sex. Hepatitis types A and B can be prevented by pre- and post-exposure active or passive immunisation. There is still some uncertainty about appropriate target groups for pre-exposure vaccination, particularly against hepatitis A.
Brook
M G
MG
Patrick Clements Clinic, Central Middlesex Hospital, London.
D005260:Female; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*; D020010:Heterosexuality; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission*