Herpes simplex virus-2 may increase susceptibility of the sexual transmission of hepatitis

Article Abstract:

The risk for sexual transmission of hepatitis-C virus (HCV) may increase with an accompanying herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infection. HSV-2 is a sexually transmitted viral infection that produces blisters in the genital region. HCV is a viral infection that destroys liver cells. Patients typically get HCV through blood contact such as blood transfusions or intravenous drug use. Researchers tested two groups of heterosexual couples for antibodies to various viral diseases (HSV-1,HSV-2, cytomegalovirus, and syphilis). The first group consisted of six couples in which one partner had probably sexually contracted HCV from the other partner. The second group consisted of 17 couples in which one partner had HCV and the other partner did not. Eighty-three percent of the infected partners in the first group tested positive for HSV-2. Only 18% of the noninfected partners in the second group tested positive for HSV-2. Researchers found no such differences when testing for the other viral diseases.

Sexually transmitted diseases, Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Herpes simplex

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Mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis C virus

Article Abstract:

Transmission of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) from infected mother to infant appears unlikely. Fourteen Swedish women with chronic HCV infection and their 21 infants were monitored following their release from the hospital. One infant actually developed hepatitis C, and two others were temporarily HCV positive. Only the one infant with hepatitis C produced anti-HCV antibodies, and only in that infant could the virus be traced to the mother. This infant was not infected at birth or one month later so it is not clear when the virus was transmitted. This study suggests the risk for transmitting hepatitis C from mother to infant, unlike hepatitis B, is low.

Hepatitis C virus, Hepatitis, Neonatal, Neonatal hepatitis

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Epidemiologic and Molecular Investigation of Outbreaks of Hepatitis C Virus Infection on a Pediatric Oncology Service

Article Abstract:

The use of multidose drug and solution vials in patient care may increase the risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. Multidose vials can be repeatedly pierced with a needle to withdraw the contents. Researchers examined 10 cases of HCV among children on a pediatric cancer ward. One patient infected nine other patients with the same viral type, indicating probable transmission within the hospital. Contamination of multidose vials likely contributed to the spread of HCV among patients.

United States, Contamination, Medicine bottles, Pharmaceutical containers

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