Sexual transmission of hepatitis C: a review.
OBJECTIVE
To establish and understand the transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and conclude on the possibility of sexual transmission as a route of transmission.


METHODS
Review of Literature via medline, the internet and articles in indexed journals.


METHODS
Published data from 1989 up to date found to have studied the sexual transmission of Hepatitis C Virus.


METHODS
Abstracts of articles identified were assessed, read and analysed to determine possible relevance to the title.


RESULTS
When relevance was established from the abstract the entire paper was then read and important points were included in the review.


CONCLUSIONS
The data acquired so far cannot convincingly conclude that hepatitis C is not transmitted sexually, as the possibilities do exist. There are a lot of factors that suggest that HCV is sexually transmitted. Present data clearly indicates that more research needs to be carried out on different aspects of HCV that may have lead to the discrepancies mentioned herewith. There may be a role played by various factors such as the age, sex, race, immune status, presence of co-existing HIV infection, and any other concurrent illnesses upon the sexual transmission of HCV.
Pancholi
P M
PM
D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D014943:Global Health; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000472:pathogenicity; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000821:virology*