Intrafamilial Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus among Household Members of Hepatitis C Virus Patients

Abstract

Background: Egypt is considered one of the highly endemic countries with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection. Since we are moving into the HCV-free era, it is necessary to acknowledge the most common methods of HCV transmission. Intrafamilial transmission is one important method that hugely contributed to that endemicity. Aim: Our aim is to identify the prevalence of intrafamilial transmission of HCV among household contacts of chronic HCV patients, risk factors, and methods of transmission. Subjects and Methods: In this study, we recruited 807 Household members of 228 chronic HCV patients. Eligible participants were subjected to history taking, clinical examination, and blood testing for HCV antibodies and PCR. Results: We found that HCV infection was more prevalent among older age groups; married; who live in rural residence; and having high crowding index. Among relatives with HCV, parents were the most affected, followed by siblings, then husbands or wives. The longer the duration of contact, the higher the risk of infection. The incidence of HCV infection was significantly higher among patients who did the following activities: Sharing shaving machine and sugar measurement device with HCVinfected family members, sharing towels with family members, and Handshaking/kissing HCVinfected relatives. Conclusions: Intrafamilial transmission of HCV is an undeniable risk factor, which amplified the burden of HCV. Recognition of remarkable modes of intrafamilial transmission would facilitate suppression of infectivity, as a result achieving the ambition of an HCV-free Egypt.