1993 Fiscal Year Final Research Report Summary
Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus
| Project/Area Number |
03670478
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| Research Category |
Grant-in-Aid for General Scientific Research (C)
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| Allocation Type | Single-year Grants |
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| Research Field |
Pediatrics
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| Research Institution | University of Tsukuba |
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Principal Investigator |
SUMAZAKI Ryo Univ.of Tsukuba, Dept.of Pediatrics,, 臨床医学系, 講師 (40163050)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
TAKITA Hitoshi Univ.of Tsukuba, Dept.of Pediatrics,, 臨床医学系, 教授 (30013957)
SHIBASAKI Masanao Univ.of Tsukuba, Dept.of Pediatrics,, 臨床医学系, 講師 (30049233)
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| Project Period (FY) |
1991 – 1993
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| Keywords | Hepatitis C Virus / Mother-to-child transmission / Polymerase chain Reaction(PCR) / Breast feeding / Transfer antibodies / 移行抗体 / 乳児健診 / 母児関係 |
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| Research Abstract |
The objectives of this study were to establish methods for diagnosing mother to infant transmission of hepatitis C virus infection, and to study the incidence, mode of transmission and natural history of such infections in infants In a follow-up study of 25 HCV infected mothers and their 27 offsprings, passively transferred maternal antibodies could be detected in the offsprings 2-14 months after birth. Maternally transmitted infection was diagnosed by detecting HCV-RNA using the PRC method. It was also clear from the study that there is a reappearance of HCV antibodies and that antibodies not detectable in maternal blood could be detected in the infected offspring. HCV infection was diagnosed in 2 out of 27 infants (7.4%) Mothers having HCV antibody titers less than the cut-off value of 3 units were regative for HCV-RNA and were considered less probable to transmit the infection. Although HCV-RAN was detected in saliva, it was not at all detected in breast milk and thus, breast feeding was not considered a risk factor for transmission. Results of another study involving 40 pediatric cases of hepatitis C show that investigation of the disease by the seond generation HCV antibodies is as effective as in adults and also that the disease runs a relatively milder course in children. Though the natural history of maternally transmitted HCV infection in children is not yet clear, the following are recommended : 1. If a mother is seropositive for HCV, it should be explained to her that the risk of transmission to her child is low. It should also be explained to her that even if the child is infected, effective treatment shall be available as the child grows and that there is no reson for anxiety. 2. For prevention of transmission after birth, the mother should be advised to be cautious about her own blood and that feeding the infant form her own mouth should never be practiced. 3. There is no rationale for stopping breast feeding. 4. The child of a seropositive mother sho
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