RISK OF HEPATITIS-C VIRUS-INFECTION AMONG HOUSEHOLD CONTACTS OF SAUDIPATIENTS WITH CHRONIC LIVER-DISEASE

To evaluate the intrafamilial transmission of heptitis C virus and rel ated risk factors among the Saudi population, two groups were investig ated: 1 20 index patients with chronic liver disease and their 127 fam ily contacts, and 2 20 blood donors who were anti-HCV-positive but wit h no chronic liver disease and their 91 family contacts, After a quest ionnaire on the risk factors for parenteral exposure, blood samples we re obtained and tested for liver biochemistry and antibody to HCV(anti -HCV) by a third-generation enzyme immunoassay (UBI HCV EIA4.0), Only two spouses of 20 index patients were anti-HCV-positive while the rema ining 125 family contacts were anti-HCV-negative. None of the 91 famil y contacts of the 20 anti-HCV-positive blood donors was anti-HCV-posit ive. The two spouses were wives of index patients but had a history of blood transfusion on at least two different occasions, Our results cl early indicate the intrafamilial transmission of HCV is not the route of transmission of HCV among Saudis and our results argue against sexu al transmission of hepatitis C virus despite a relatively long duratio n of marriage.