Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C Virus in the Families of the Patients with Hepatitis C Infection in Shahre-Kord, Iran

Background: Chronic hepatitis C is a major health concern around the world. Although transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection through parenteral exposure is well documented, sexual transmission of HCV is still debated. Therefore, we evaluated the prevalence of HCV infection within the families of the patients infected with HCV in a central city of Iran, Shahre-kord. Methods: We examined eighty patients with chronic HCV-associated liver disease and their 230 first degree families in a cross-sectional descriptive serological study. Their serum samples were tested for anti-HCV antibody, using ELISA and Immunobloting. A questionnaire including risk factors for HCV infection specially drugs addiction, sexual behaviors, and duration of partnership was filled in by the cases. Results: About 2.17% of the household contacts were seropositive. Of them, 8.7% spouses and 20% sisters had anti-HCV antibody. Conclusion: The risk of HCV transmission between monogamous sex partners is higher than that of in other family members, depending on the duration of exposure especially sexual exposure. Infection rate in other family members of HCV-infected persons and community members is the same.