Sexual transmission of hepatitis C and early intervention.
The major risk factors for the transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been sharing needles for intravenous drug use (IDU) and receiving blood and blood products; however, recent findings suggest that HCV is being increasingly sexually transmitted, particularly among HIV-positive men who engage in high-risk, unprotected sexual behaviors with other men. Sixteen HIV-positive patients were diagnosed with sexually acquired HCV infection at a leading London HIV outpatient treatment center during 2002. All 16 patients were homosexual males with no history of IDU who had been involved in high-risk, unprotected sexual behaviors, which included active and passive anal intercourse, fisting, rimming, and oral sex. Six patients (37.5%) in the cohort spontaneously cleared HCV infection and consequently tested negative for HCV RNA. The remaining 10 patients were all started on HCV treatment, which consisted of pegylated interferon alpha-2b in combination with ribavirin. Three patients (43%) have achieved a significant reduction in HCV RNA after 12 to 24 weeks of HCV treatment. The earlier HCV seroconversion is detected and treated, the better the chance of achieving viral eradication.
Ian Charleson Centre, Royal Free Hospital, London.
Shona
S
Fletcher
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001782:Blood Donors; D005260:Female; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications / Q000451:nursing; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008131:London / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012307:Risk Factors; D012747:Sexual Partners; D015229:Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Viral / Q000451:nursing* / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a