Original scientific paper

Rare routes of transmission of hepatitis C

Lejla Čalkić ; Kantonalna bolnica Zenica, Služba za zarazne bolesti, Zenica, BiH
Srboljub Golubović ; Sveučilište u Banja Luci, Medicinski fakultet, Banja Luka, BiH
Lejla Bajramović-Omeragić ; Kantonalna bolnica Zenica, Služba za zarazne bolesti, Zenica, BiH
Salih Tandir ; Sveučilište u Zenici, Zdravstveni fakultet, Zenica, BiH
Eldira Hadžić ; Sveučilište u Zenici, Zdravstveni fakultet, Zenica, BiH

Abstract

The possibility and route of intrafamilial transmission of hepatitis C (HC) has been prospectively explored among patients with hepatitis C with unknown route of transmission (n = 119) and their family contacts (n = 297). The geographical area of research was Zenica-Doboj Canton, during the period from 2008 to 2009. In 31,07% (119/383; P < 0,05) of patients the transmission of disease was unknown. In this group of patients women predominated (52,94%; 63/119; P > 0,05). The major risk factors for the occurrence of disease (P < 0,00) were: a combination of two or more risk factors (OR 13,67; 95% CI 6,10–30,64); a family member with HC (OR 7,28 and 95% CI 0,89–59,22); members of the household who use drugs (OR 5,88; 95% CI 1,68–20,60); the presence of a chronic illness in the household (OR 5,80; 95% CI 2,74–12,77); sharing a razor (OR 4,45; 95% CI 2,36–8,37); exposure to blood in the household (OR 3,57; 95% CI 1,91–6,26). The frequency of HCV genotypes was significant (P < 0,00) for 1a (χ2 = 12,33) in the group with unknown routes, and for 1b (χ2 = 11,50) in the group of patients with known routes of disease transmission. Cumulative incidence of newly discovered HC within examined familial contacts is 1,35% (4/297). The total probability of the exposure in newly discovered familial contacts (OR 1,38; 95% CI 0,15–12,48) is greater than in unexposed individuals. Anti-HCV point prevalence in examined familial contacts is 4,13%, and among the general population 2,42%. The results of this research suggest that the presence of a family member with HC is a significant risk factor. Therefore, for the purpose of disease prevention there is a need for a routine serological testing and continuous monitoring of all intrafamilial contacts of anti-HCV positive individuals.

Keywords

Hepatitis C; transmission routes; family; genotype

Hrčak ID:

92425

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/92425

Publication date:

26.3.2012.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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