[Maternal-fetal transmission of HCV. Role of HIV as a risk factor].
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study is to determine the rate of vertical transmission of hepatitis C and to analyse the concomitant infection by HIV as a risk factor.


METHODS
We have studied the perinatal transmission of HCV in 22 pregnancies: 14 in women HCV+/HIV-, 8 in women HCV+/HIV+. We have performed the following tests on sera: test RIBA II to search for Ab anti-HCV, alanine transaminase (ALT) evaluation and HCV-RNA research by PCR. These tests were performed on sera from infants at birth and, then, during one year every three months.


RESULTS
Within one year Ab anti-HCV disappeared in 20 of 22 pregnancies: two infants positive by Ab anti-HCV were born to HIV+ mothers and they were the only two who showed abnormal ALT values and detectable levels of HCV-RNA. Finally 10 of 14 infants born to HCV+/HIV- mothers were breast-fed and none was infected.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that HCV mother-to-child transmission is an uncommon event, breast-milking is safety, and the concomitant infection by HIV could represent a risk factor for vertical transmission of hepatitis C.
Catalano
D
D
Istituto di Ginecologia, Ostetricia, Università degli Studi di Napoli, Federico II.
Pollio
F
F
Ercolano
S
S
Ascione
L
L
Desantis
B
B
Russo
C
C
D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000635:transmission*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D008431:Maternal-Fetal Exchange; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies
La trasmissione materno-fetale dell'HCV. Ruolo dell'HIV quale fattore di rischio.