title: Absence of intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C in patients with inherited bleeding disorders.
abstract: Hepatitis 'C' virus (HCV) infection has caused significant anxiety in patients with inherited bleeding disorders. A significant number of patients with HCV have developed chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The exact risk of heterosexual and contact transmission is unclear at the moment. A test for antibody to hepatitis 'C' was offered, after counselling, to spouses and family members of 118 known hepatitis 'C' antibody positive patients with inherited bleeding disorders. Two hundred and fifteen family members were tested, 73 partners and 142 household contacts; all were found negative for hepatitis 'C'. Our experience confirms the low risk of heterosexual and contact transmission of hepatitis 'C' virus.
authors.affiliation: The Arthur Bloom Haemophilia Centre, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dasani
authors.affiliation: The Arthur Bloom Haemophilia Centre, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.affiliation: The Arthur Bloom Haemophilia Centre, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Jones
authors.affiliation: The Arthur Bloom Haemophilia Centre, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Howlett
keywords: hepatitis ‘C’ virus (HCV); inherited bleeding disorders; sexual and contact transmission