RISK FACTORS OF HEPATITIS C IN PREGNANCY

hepatitis c in pregnancy INTRODUCTION : Based on WHO data of 2004 estimates that about 170 million people, 3% of world’s population, are infected with HCV 1. The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C in the Asia-pacific region is variable between 4% to 12%. Hepatitis C virus are transmitted through contaminated blood transfusion, Surgery, surgical instruments, Dental surgery and excessive dental consultations, sexual contacts, drug abuses, sharing of the house hold items such as razors, tooth brushes and shaving from the barbers. In developing countries like Pakistan excessive holding of contaminated blood, from unsafe practices, includes administration of unnecessary injections, are also responsible for the spread of hepatitis C virus infection. Care less handling of diagnostic equipment in diagnostic laboratories due to lack of gloves, gowns and masks, to protect them from the contaminated blood, leads to increased prevalence of Hepatitis C infection in the health workers. Similarly haemodialysis staff, staff working in angiography labs, medical intensive care units, surgeons and paramedics staff are at risk of getting the infection 2. Mother to infant transmission of hepatitis C virus is comparatively uncommon. Prevalence of antibody to HCV in pregnant women is 0.1% to 2.4%, although in some endemic areas it is much higher. The rate of mother to infant transmission is 4% to 7% per pregnancy in women with HCV virenia. Breast feeding poses no important risk of HCV transmission if nipple not traumatized 3. Hepatitis C can be transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy through the exchange of blood in the placenta, but also during delivery due to close contact between the blood of mother and baby, as well as from other secretions 4. It may be transmitted sexually, but transmission is not very efficient, with only 1.2 percent of long terms partners becoming infected 5. Risk of hepatitis C transmission by sexual contact differs by the type of sexual relationship. Persons in long-term monogamous partnerships are at lower risk of HCV acquisition (0% to 0.6% per year) than persons with multiple partners or those at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (0.4% to 0.8% per year) 6. Nosocomal transmission of HCV in the operating room patient to patient shared equipment breathing circuits and multi dose vials can cause hepatitis C 7. Factors like piercing and tattooing may cause hepatitis C by unskilled individuals professionals trained in improper hygiene 8.