Abstract: Background. Knowledge about vertical transmission of
HCV is still limited. In this study we followed up the virological
status of a series of offspring born to anti-HCV positive, anti-HIV
negative mothers.
Methods. Between January 1993 and January 1995, 5000
consecutive, anti-HIV negative pregnant women were screened for
anti-HCV (ELISA III) and all positive samples were confirmed by
RIBA III and analyzed for HCV-RNA by polymerase chain reaction
(PCR), Babies born to anti-HCV positive mothers were followed from
birth to two years by testing for ALT levels, anti-HCV antibodies
and HCV-RNA,
Results. Of 5000 mothers 80 (1.6%) were anti-HCV positive (ELISA
III) and RIBA III positive. Of these, 56 (70%) were HCV-RNA
positive. We examined 80 babies, born to anti-HCV positive mothers:
56 with HCV-RNA positive mothers and 24 with HCV-RNA negative
mothers. Two babies (3.6%) of 56 were anti-HCV and HCV-RNA
positive, with normal liver function tests. Seventy-eight babies
(97.5%) of 80 (54 with HCV-RNA positive mothers and 24 with HCV-RNA
negative mothers) were HCV-RNA negative, with normal liver function
tests acid detectable levels of anti-HCV antibodies that gradually
disappeared between 8-12 months.
Conclusion. Mother-to-infant transmission of HCV is possible
only in the case of HCV-RNA positive mothers. In our study the rate
of transmission is 3.6% (2/56 babies with HCV-RNA positive
mothers). HCV transmission may occur without evident association
with breastfeeding or vaginal delivery.
AUTHOR: La Torre A, Biadaioli R, Capobianco T, Colao MG,
Monti M, Pulli F, Visioli CB, Zignego AL, Rubatelli F; SOURCE: ACTA
OBSTETRICIA ET GYNECOLOGICA SCANDINAVICA 77: (9) 889-892 OCT
1998
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