[Breastfeeding and hepatitis C virus (HCV): the need for a careful appraisal].
We review the available data on the possible role of breast-feeding in hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission to infants of HCV-RNA-positive mothers. Current knowledge about HCV excretion through breast milk, HCV infection of breast-fed infants by mothers contaminated after delivery, and vertical transmission risk to infants breast-fed by chronic HCV viremic mothers are presented. Vertical transmission risk by breast-feeding HCV-RNA-positive mothers is unclear: no study has been performed with the aim and the required methodology to evaluate HCV transmission risk related to breast-feeding duration. Recommendations to HCV-RNA-positive mothers who wish to breast-feed their infant are discussed in light of present knowledge about HCV secretion in breast milk, mother-to-infant HCV transmission, and historical records on vertical transmission of other viruses to infants breast-fed by their viremic mothers.
Voyer
M
M
Institut de puériculture de Paris, 26, boulevard Brune, 75014 Paris, France.
Nobre
R
R
Magny
J F
JF
D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
Allaitement au sein et virus de l'hépatite C (VHC): une mise en examen nécessaire.