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Sexual Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus in Monogamous Married Couples

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: To evaluate sexual transmission of Hepatitis C virus in monogamous married couples in our local set-up.Material and Methods: This long term prospective cross-sectional cohort study was conducted as outpatient at aprivate clinic at Peshawar from January 2000 to December 2010. The risk of sexual transmission of Hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection was evaluated among 334 monogamous married patients whose partners were not infected withchronic HCV. These patients were serologically tested for HCV using a third generation Enzyme linked immunosorbentassay (ELISA). Positive results were then confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Inpatients positive for both HCV antibodies and HCV RNA, HCV genotyping was performed. A questionnairecomprising detailed history, duration of marriage, sexual behavior and contraception techniques, was completed byall couples. Statistical analysis of the results was performed with SPSS version 19.Results: Amongst 334 chronic HCV infected patients, 190 were male and 144 female. All these patients had strictmonogamous status and their ages ranged from 30 to57 years with mean age of 41± 5 years. Their marital durationlasted 8-24 years with mean marital duration 16 ± 9 years. HCV associated antibodies and HCV RNA were detected inspouses of 14 (4.20%) of these 334 patients during study. HCV genotyping revealed discordance in 10 (2.99%)couples and concordance (genotype 3) in only 4 couples, indicating risk of sexual transmission in 1.20% in strictmonogamous married couples.Conclusion: The risk of sexual transmission of HCV within monogamous married couples is extremely low. HCVpositive spouses can be counseled about their normal marital life and sexual relationship.

Source: Journal of Medical Sciences

Authors: Humayun, Muhammad, Haider, Iqbal, Khan, Wazir Mohammad

Institution: Khyber Teaching Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Hepatitis C virus research

Subfield: Hepatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W7216710656

FWCI:

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