[Intrafamilial hepatitis C virus infection].

UNLABELLED: The role of blood and other biological fluids in transmission of HCV is already proven. The infection is acquired mainly by uncontrolled transfusion of blood products, percutaneous inoculation by contaminated equipment, mother-to-infant as well as sexual exposures. Infection by common contact in the family is very rare, but data are present in the literature.

AIM: The authors demonstrate a clinical case of possible intrafamilial spread of hepatitis C virus.

CASE REPORT: Forty-seven-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis C has one anti-HCV positive daughter.

DISCUSSION: Because of the long period of incubation, less specific symptoms of acute C-hepatitis and often development of symptom-free disease, the patients and their families can be long in living together without being unaware of potential infection.

CONCLUSION

Intrafamilial spread of hepatitis C virus may occur. It is strongly suggested to inform the patients about the possible risk and the importance of personal hygiene.