[Risk factors of contamination by hepatitis C virus. Case-control study in the general population].
In 30% of patients with hepatitis C virus, the source of infection is unknown.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the risk factors of infection by hepatitis C virus in a case-control study.


METHODS
Cases had positive hepatitis C virus serology, and were living in Fecamp (Normandy, France). Controls (2 for each case) were age and sex-matched subjects with negative hepatitis C virus serology, living in Fecamp. Demographic, medical, professional, and environmental data were collected. Statistical analysis included chi 2 or Fisher's exact test and multiple logistic regression.


RESULTS
The risk factors of hepatitis C virus by univariate analysis were: history of transfusion, high number of sexual partners, hepatitis C virus infection in a relative, history of digestive or genitourinary surgery, an invasive medical procedure, digestive endoscopy, biopsy, lumbar or pleural puncture, medical care after an accident, injections, multiple deliveries or abortion. Risk factors of hepatitis C virus infection by multivariate analysis: hepatitis C virus infection in a relative (Odds ratio: 4.58), history of transfusion (Odds ratio: 2.32), of a surgical procedure (Odds ratio: 2.50), of medical care after an accident (Odds ratio: 1.51), of injections (Odds ratio: 2.24).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest the possible nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus. Intrafamilial transmission is also possible.
Merle
V
V
Réseau Hépatite C de Haute-Normandie.
Goria
O
O
Gourier-Frery
C
C
Benguigui
C
C
Michel
P
P
Huet
P
P
Czernichow
P
P
Colin
R
R
D000059:Accidents; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011247:Pregnancy; D011272:Pregnancy, Multiple; D012307:Risk Factors; D012747:Sexual Partners
Facteurs de risque de contamination par le virus de l'hépatite C. Etude cas-témoins en population générale.