FAMILIAL TRANSMISSION IN HCV

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis C Virus (HCV) has various routes of transmission for HCV like parenteral, vertical, nosocomial and through close contact among family members of HBV patient. Aims and Objectives: To determine prevalence of HCV in family members of HCV patients confirmed on anti HCV antibody and HCV RNA quantitative viral load testing. Materials & Methods: It was prospective study conducted at Department of Medical Gastroenterology, PGIMS, Rohtak, over a period of three years from 1st June, 2022 to 31st May, 2025 during which 2000 confirmed patients of HCV reported in department in last three years duration and out of this total pool of 2000 patients, till date 5000 family members of 1600 HCV patients got tested for anti HCV antibody and HCV RNA quantitative viral load testing for ruling out HCV infection. Hence data pertaining to them was used in final analysis. Results: Out of the 1600 HCV patients, whose 5000 family members were checked for HCV infection, 196 (3.92 %) were found to be HCV positive and 4804 (96.08 %) were HCV negative. If we calculate these 1600 patient family as a whole, then out of them 128 (8%) families were having at least one more member, in addition to patient positive for HCV infection, Conclusion: The family members of every Hepatitis C patient should be screened for HCV infection. The positive members should be evaluated in detail for stage of disease and treatment should be started on priority.