Journal
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL GASTROENTEROLOGY
Volume 42, Issue 2, Pages 204-207Publisher
LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
DOI: 10.1097/01.mcg.0000247991.81591.2e
Keywords
hepatitis C; HCV; vertical transmission; interferon; HIV
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Background: Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been reported in around 5% of cases, and is much more likely to occur in case of coinfection with HIV. However, other cofactors influencing the vertical transmission are still debated. Aim: To assess the serum concentration of endogenous interferon (IFN) during pregnancy, and its eventual role on the vertical transmission of HCV. Methods: Forty-seven HCV-infected pregnant women, and 3 control groups: (1) 75 HCV-negative pregnant women; (2) 29 HCV-positive nonpregnant women; (3) 29 HCV-negative nonpregnant women entered into the study. Endogenous IFN was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The following parameters were also analyzed: viral load, HIV infection, risk factors for acquiring HCV, parity, gestational age, mode and course of delivery. Results:: Vertical transmission of HCV was observed in 2 cases (4.3%). Plasma levels of IFN were significantly higher in HCV-positive pregnant women compared with either HCV-positive and HCV-negative nonpregnant women. The 2 mothers who transmitted the infection had IFN levels within the same range as the women who did not transmit the infection. Conclusions: In HCV-positive pregnant women, there is an increased production of endogenous IFN-alpha. Further studies are warranted for clarifying the mechanisms of this cytokine in the prevention of HCV transmission.
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