       Document 0556
 DOCN  M9630556
 TI    Methods of transmission of hepatitis C.
 DT    9603
 AU    Tibbs CJ; Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, London,
       UK.
 SO    J Viral Hepat. 1995;2(3):113-9. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
       MED/96091318
 AB    The route of transmission of hepatitis C virus is still controversial.
       Parenteral exposure via blood or blood products leads to infection in
       the majority of cases, and the majority of intravenous drug users become
       infected by repetitive exposure to contaminated injection equipment. The
       risk of infection from a single needlestick injury is 5-15% and may
       depend on the size of the innoculum. Other parenteral routes of
       transmission may include traditional healing practices and the use of
       contaminated medical equipment. Transmission is less common within a
       family but the prevalence of hepatitis C viral antibodies is higher in
       family members and sexual partners of carriers than in the general
       population. There are some well-documented instances of acute hepatitis
       C occurring after a defined sexual exposure. Vertical transmission is
       rare unless the mother has high levels of circulating HCV RNA as may
       occur in those also infected with HIV. The detection of hepatitis C in
       saliva and the higher than expected prevalence of infection in dentists
       may point to the possibility of transmission by salivary contamination.
       There remain large numbers of hepatitis C carriers in whom no route of
       infection can be identified.
 DE    Female  Hepatitis C/*TRANSMISSION  Human  Male  Pregnancy  Risk Factors
       JOURNAL ARTICLE  REVIEW  REVIEW, TUTORIAL

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).

