Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus.
Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) occurs; however, to what extent is still unclear. In this presentation relevant data from the literature concerning the following key issues will be presented: presence of HCV in the seminal fluid and vaginal secretions; presence of HCV infection in sexually promiscuous individuals; presence of HCV infection among sexual partners to HCV-infected individuals; and molecular biology evidence of sexual transmission. An anti-HCV prevalence of 2-12% is seen in sexually promiscuous individuals, which is higher than that usually seen among blood donors. In case-control studies, HCV infection is associated with sexual promiscuity and sex with a partner who has a past history of hepatitis. In most studies, HCV infection is common among sexual partners of HCV-infected subjects. Genotyping and genome sequencing provide further evidence for intraspousal transmission of HCV Despite these findings, stable sexual partners of hemophiliacs or recipients of HCV-contaminated immunoglobulin preparations rarely become infected. These discrepancies are not fully understood. Other sexual behaviours or confounding non-sexual transmission routes could play a part.
Wejstål
R
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Institute of Internal Medicine, Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska University Hospital/Ostra, Götenborg, Sweden. rune.wejstål@medfak.gu.se
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D015995:Prevalence; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012747:Sexual Partners