Although transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) through the parentral route is well documented, it is still controversial whether intrafamilial transmission of HCV occurs or not. Objective: To assess the risk factors for HCV infection and to study the possibility of intrafamilial transmission of HCV infection. Subjects and Methods: To assess the risk factor for HCV infection, 109 HCV-infected cases and 84 non-infected controls were tested in laboratories of Benha University Hospitals and Benha Teaching Hospital. Also, 250 family members of cases and 170 family members of controls were investigated. These numbers represent the people, who agreed to participate in this study from those recorded in the laboratories of Benha University Hospital and Benha Teaching Hospital in period from January to December, 2006. Questionnaires, ElISA test, PCR ALT were used. Results: the study showed that people aged> 60 were almost 3 times more likely to be infected by HCV than those aged <40 years. Risk of HCV infection was significantly related to history of blood transfusion (Odds ratio, or=12.6,P<0.005) followed by history of jaundice (OR=4.1, P<0.05). Prevalence rates of HCV infection among family members of cases and of controls were 3.2% and 2.4% respectively, hence, intrafamilial transmission of HCV infection does not occur. Conclusion: these results suggest that age, blood transfusion and history of jaundice are risk factors for HCV infection and intrafamilial transmission of HCV infection dose not appear to occur. Recommendations: the family members should be educated about the modes of transmission and the risk factors for HCV infection. A community-based sampling study is advised to ensure the lack of intrafamilial transmission of HCVinfection |
