Prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among family contacts of hepatitis C virus-infected patients.

BACKGROUND

Non-parenteral transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is controversial. There are no data on intrafamilial spread of HCV from India, where the family set-up differs from that in developed countries.

METHODS

First-degree relatives of patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease underwent testing for anti-HCV antibody and levels of transaminases. History of exposure to blood/blood products, surgery or other known risk factors, and of alcohol intake was recorded. Total duration of residence with the patient, and duration of residence after establishment of diagnosis in the patient was also recorded.

RESULTS

Of 272 first-degree relatives, 125 agreed to participate. Of these, 20 (16%) tested positive for anti-HCV. This rate was significantly higher than the 1.6% anti-HCV positivity rate in our volunteer blood donors. Twelve anti-HCV-positive and 4 anti-HCV negative contacts had elevated transaminases. Alcohol consumption by contact, longer duration of residence with the index case after the diagnosis of liver disease, and presence of cirrhosis in the index case were associated with increased risk of HCV infection among contacts.

CONCLUSIONS

Family contacts of patients with HCV-related chronic liver disease have an increased risk of HCV infection; this risk is particularly high if they consume alcohol, have a long duration of residence with the index case after diagnosis of liver disease, and if the index case has cirrhosis.