Intrafamilial Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Among Families of Infected Pediatric Oncology Patients

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most commonly encountered blood transmittable hepatitis among cancer patients. Several studies have reported clustering of HCV infections in families or household contacts of infected cases. Data about the epidemiologic aspects of intrafamilial transmission from pediatric cancer patients are scarce and still debated. We aimed to identify the magnitude of horizontal intrafamilial transmission of HCV from infected pediatric oncology patients; its prevalence, risk factors and possible routes of transmission. Methods: One hundred fifty-seven (86 HCV positive, 71 HCV negative) pediatric oncology patients who received treatment and follow-up at Zagazig university Hospital-Egypt and their household family contacts (751) were enrolled in this cross-sectional case-control study. Blood samples were collected from 450 relatives of HCV infected cases (group 1) and 301 household contacts of HCV-negative cases (group 2) for analysis of HCV antibodies and HCV RNA to confirm positivity. Family contacts of HCV-infected cases were interviewed, and close-ended questionnaire was completed for each participant to determine risk factors and possible routes of HCV intrafamilial transmission. Results: Significantly higher HCV prevalence and chronicity rates were documented among relatives of HCV-infected cases as compared with contacts of HCV-negative cases (12.6% and 10.6% for group 1 vs. 7% and 5.3% for group 2, respectively). Risk factors of infection were calculated by univariate and logistic regression analysis among contacts of HCV-infected cases. Female caregivers, particularly mother (OR 5.1, 95% CI: 2–13.5), contact with index cases blood, either directly without using personal protective equipment (OR 7.8, 95% CI: 2.9–23.8) or indirectly through common use of sharps (razors, scissors) (OR 8.9, 95% CI: 3.5–20.5) and nail clippers (OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.1–5.4) and giving care to infected cases (OR 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3–16.6) represented the real predictors of intrafamilial HCV infection. Conclusions: Intrafamilial transmission of HCV from infected children to their relatives does occur. Parenteral route is the only documented way of transmission either directly or indirectly.

Gender differences in prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in Egypt: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…In Egypt, some studies indicated that anti-HCV prevalence in the general population was higher in males than in females (19.67% vs. 9.73%; p < 0.001) 10 , (16.1% vs. 13.4%; p < 0.001) 9 , and (7.5% vs. 5.3%; p < 0.001) 8 . While other studies found more anti-HCV prevalence in women than in men in special situations: (13.4% vs. 7.3%; p = 0.045) among family contacts of HCV-positive children 24 , (25.2% vs. 17.6%; p = 0.031) in patients with coronary heart disease 5 , and (25.1% vs. 15%; p = 0.002) in apparently healthy blood donors 3 .…”

“…By title and abstract screening, 308 studies were selected and entered the full-text screening. Only 30 studies 3 – 5 , 8 – 10 , 12 – 15 , 24 , 26 – 44 were finally included in our meta-analysis after full-text screening (Fig. 1 ) with 193,621 included participants: 97,597 male and 96,024 female.…”

Hepatitis C Viral Infection Among Beta-Thalassemia Patients: A Study From the Centre for Excellence in Thalassemia and Other Blood Disorders

“…In contrast, HCV infection generally occurs in people who have a history of multiple blood transfusions and does not spread by ordinary contact. Nevertheless, transmission within the family members is a possibility when sharing razors, contact with blood, and constant exposure to blood and body fluids [9].…”

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

“…Moreover, Sherief et al found that female caregivers, particularly mothers, contact with index cases blood. This either happens directly without using personal protective equipment or indirectly through common use of sharps (razors, scissors) and nail clippers, in addition to giving care to HCV infected cases (23) . Apart from sharing towels with relatives who are positive to HCV and handshaking/kissing with them, there is an agreement over the activities that massively contribute to infection transmission.…”