MODES OF HEPATITIS-C VIRUS TRANSMISSION

Situation in France: The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infecti on in the French population is estimated at 1%, a level similar to tha t in other western countries. Usual contamination routes: Epidemiologi cal studies, together with gene typing have made it possible to distin guish transmission modes. A history oi intravenous drug abuse or trans fusion is found in 60 to 80% of ail subjects infected by the HCV. Othe r documented modes of contamination include hemodialysis, organ transp lantation, accidental occupational-related puncture and mother-infant transmission. Other routes: Sexual or intra-familial non-sexual transm ission is uncommon and related to the length of exposure and the stage of HCV infection in the ''source'' subjects. Cases of HCV transmissio n have been reported during medical procedures. Currently the mode of transmission is unknown in 20 to 40% of the cases.