Detection and significance of HCV RNA in saliva, seminal fluid or vaginal discharge of patients with hepatitis C

Abstract

To investigate the transmission of HCV infection through family contact, we detected HCV RNS in body fluids (saliva, seminal and vaginal dischsrge) of 16 serum HCV RNA positive patients (including 7 men and 9 women) and in sera of their family members. The positive rates of HCV RNA in the body fluids were 31. 25 % (5/16) in saliva, 57.14 % (4/ 17) in seminal fluid and 22.22 % (2/9) in vaginal discharge, respectively. Among the family members in our series, all were negative for both anti-HCV and HCVRNA, despite two spouses positive for HCV RNA. This result strongly suggested the potential possibility of the transmission of HCV infection through the family contact.

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