[Multicenter study of intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C virus in human immunodeficiency virus infection].
OBJECTIVE
Intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C virus in human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C virus co-infections is not well documented. This cross-sectional study evaluated the transmission of hepatitis C virus in the sexual partners of hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus co-infected patients.


METHODS
Hemophiliacs and transfused hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus co-infected patients who were being seen in three French university hospitals, and their sexual partners were studied by a face-to-face interview using an epidemiological questionnaire and by biological tests: antibodies against hepatitis C virus, hepatitis C virus RNA, and ALT activity.


RESULTS
Fifty-two subjects were included: 26 cases and their 26 sexual partners. Three sexual partners (11.5 %) had anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies, two of whom had an undetermined RIBA test. All three had a risk factor for hepatitis C virus infection (transfusion, intra-muscular injections with re-usable needles). Two of these three partners were also human immunodeficiency virus antibody positive. Hepatitis C virus RNA was negative in all sexual partners.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides evidence of a low prevalence of anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies in sexual partners of hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus co-infected patients. It does not support intra-familial transmission of hepatitis C virus.
Huët
C
C
Unité INSERM 330, Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux 2, Bordeaux.
Dabis
F
F
Saillour
F
F
Trimoulet
P
P
Morlat
P
P
Rispal
P
P
Dupon
M
M
De La Taille
C
C
Partisani
M
M
Bertrand
M
M
Ragnaud
J M
JM
Couzigou
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity; D006467:Hemophilia A / Q000821:virology; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000635:transmission*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D012747:Sexual Partners; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D012367:RNA, Viral