Sex and HCV: Can You Infect Your Partner?

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Sex and HCV: Can You Infect Your Partner?

by C.

Article Date: 06-09-04

The risk of sexually transmitting the hepatitis C virus is rare among monogamous couples, say doctors in Italy who set out to answer questions about the topic.

Transmitting HCV in Monogamous RelationshipsIn a study published in May,1 the physicians at Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia in Modena, Italy followed nearly 900 monogamous couples with at least one partner infected with the hepatitis C virus to find out whether the risk of sexually transmitting HCV between partners was high or not.

The couples were followed for a total of 8,060 person-years; that is, the total number of years that the patients, collectively, had been affected by hepatitis C. For example, 776 spouses were followed for 10 years, corresponding to 7,760 person-years. An additional 119 spouses contributed an additional 300 person-years. In the latter group, their partners had either cleared the virus, ended the relationship or were no longer a part of the study at the time of follow-up.

All couples denied practicing anal intercourse or vaginal intercourse during menstruation, thought to be higher risk factors for HCV transmission.2 None of the couples acknowledged using condoms during sex. The average frequency of sexual intercourse was 1.8 times per week.

Differences in Viral Types FoundDuring the follow-up period, the investigators learned that three of the patients had become infected with hepatitis C. However, the investigators report that the infecting HCV genotype in one spouse was different than that of the partner, "clearly excluding sexual transmission," they wrote.

The remaining two couples were infected with the same genotype, but additional genetic testing showed that there were more minute, but significant, differences between the viruses in each partner, proving again that the virus was not transmitted sexually, the Italian study team noted.

Still, the authors found that in 3.4% of the couples initially investigated, both partners had tested positive for HCV antibodies, suggesting that the virus could have been transmitted earlier in their relationship.

A 'Null' Risk"Our data indicate that the risk of sexual transmission of HCV within heterosexual monogamous couples is extremely low or even null," they wrote. "No general recommendations for condom use seem required for individuals in monogamous partnerships with HCV-infected partners."

The risk of transmitting hepatitis C through sexual intercourse is lower than the risk associated with hepatitis B or HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, the researchers stressed. While sexual transmission of HCV is possible in monogamous heterosexual relationships, it isn't likely. Still, experts suggest condom use for couples who are concerned that transmitting the virus in such a relationship might still be possible. Long-term partners of people with hepatitis C should get tested for the virus, but if the results are negative, doctors say it's unlikely another test will have to be taken.

Other Warnings to HeedThe authors of the Italian study stress that, based on evidence in other studies, couples should avoid sharing personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, razors or nail clippers.

It isn't known whether the hepatitis C virus can be spread through oral or anal sex, however. While there's no proof that anyone has spread the virus through oral sex, it may be possible. Anal sex may damage the lining of the rectum, and make it easier to pass the virus into the bloodstream.3

On the other hand, there have been reports of increasing incidents of sexual transmission among HIV-positive men who engage in high-risk, unprotected sex with other men.4

Doctors have also reported that transmitting HCV in heterosexual contact is "5 times higher when HIV is also transmitted, suggesting the HIV may be a cofactor for the sexual transmission of HCV."5

1. Vandelli C, Renzo F, Romano L et al. Lack of evidence of sexual transmission of hepatitis C among monogamous couples: Results of a 10-year prospective follow-up study. Am J Gastroenterology 2004 May;99(5):855-9.2. University Health System. University of Virginia.3. Veterans Administration National Hepatitis C Program. Sex and Hepatitis C Virus.4. Fletcher S. Sexual transmission of hepatitis C and early intervention. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2003 Sep-Oct;14(5 Suppl):87S-94S.5. Eyster ME, Alter HJ, Aledort LM et al. Heterosexual co-transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Ann Intern Med 1991 Nov 15;115(10):764-8. is a long-time health journalist and an editor for Priority Healthcare. His credits include coverage of health news for the website of Fox Television's The Health Network, and articles for the New York Post and other consumer and trade publications.

http://www.hepatitisneighborhood.com/content/in_the_news/archive_1923.aspx

[Guest guest]

Yep. And vice versa. But extremely rare.From: Christ <ludichrist2000@...>Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 7:18 PM Subject: Re: [ ] Sex and HCV: Can You Infect Your Partner?I presume you can transmit hep c from the lady to the man if the lady is on her peroid, and the man has a open herpes sore. Otherwise I dont see it happening.lovedon in kansasFrom: PeachStatePam <figmentnettally>Subject: [ ] Sex and HCV: Can You Infect Your Partner?hepcwebWarriors Date: Thursday, January 8, 2009, 6:35 PM Sex and HCV: Can You Infect Your Partner?by C. Article Date: 06-09-04 The risk of sexually transmitting the hepatitis C virus is rare among monogamous couples, say doctors in Italy who set out to answer questions about the topic. Transmitting HCV in Monogamous RelationshipsIn a study published in May,1 the physicians at Universita di Modena e Reggio Emilia in Modena, Italy followed nearly 900 monogamous couples with at least one partner infected with the hepatitis C virus to find out whether the risk of sexually transmitting HCV between partners was high or not.The couples were followed for a total of 8,060 person-years; that is, the total number of years that the patients, collectively, had been affected by hepatitis C. For example, 776 spouses were followed for 10 years, corresponding to 7,760 person-years. An additional 119 spouses contributed an additional 300 person-years. In the latter group, their partners had either cleared the virus, ended the relationship or were no longer a part of the study at the time of follow-up. All couples denied practicing anal intercourse or vaginal intercourse during menstruation, thought to be higher risk factors for HCV transmission.2 None of the couples acknowledged using condoms during sex. The average frequency of sexual intercourse was 1.8 times per week.Differences in Viral Types FoundDuring the follow-up period, the investigators learned that three of the patients had become infected with hepatitis C. However, the investigators report that the infecting HCV genotype in one spouse was different than that of the partner, "clearly excluding sexual transmission, " they wrote.The remaining two couples were infected with the same genotype, but additional genetic testing showed that there were more minute, but significant, differences between the viruses in each partner, proving again that the virus was not transmitted sexually, the Italian study team noted.Still, the authors found that in 3.4% of the couples initially investigated, both partners had tested positive for HCV antibodies, suggesting that the virus could have been transmitted earlier in their relationship.A 'Null' Risk"Our data indicate that the risk of sexual transmission of HCV within heterosexual monogamous couples is extremely low or even null," they wrote. "No general recommendations for condom use seem required for individuals in monogamous partnerships with HCV-infected partners."The risk of transmitting hepatitis C through sexual intercourse is lower than the risk associated with hepatitis B or HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, the researchers stressed. While sexual transmission of HCV is possible in monogamous heterosexual relationships, it isn't likely. Still, experts suggest condom use for couples who are concerned that transmitting the virus in such a relationship might still be possible. Long-term partners of people with hepatitis C should get tested for the virus, but if the results are negative, doctors say it's unlikely another test will have to be taken.Other Warnings to HeedThe authors of the Italian study stress that, based on evidence in other studies, couples should avoid sharing personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, razors or nail clippers.It isn't known whether the hepatitis C virus can be spread through oral or anal sex, however. While there's no proof that anyone has spread the virus through oral sex, it may be possible. Anal sex may damage the lining of the rectum, and make it easier to pass the virus into the bloodstream.3On the other hand, there have been reports of increasing incidents of sexual transmission among HIV-positive men who engage in high-risk, unprotected sex with other men.4Doctors have also reported that transmitting HCV in heterosexual contact is "5 times higher when HIV is also transmitted, suggesting the HIV may be a cofactor for the sexual transmission of HCV."51. Vandelli C, Renzo F, Romano L et al. Lack of evidence of sexual transmission of hepatitis C among monogamous couples: Results of a 10-year prospective follow-up study. Am J Gastroenterology 2004 May;99(5):855- 9.2. University Health System. University of Virginia.3. Veterans Administration National Hepatitis C Program. Sex and Hepatitis C Virus.4. Fletcher S. Sexual transmission of hepatitis C and early intervention. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care. 2003 Sep-Oct;14(5 Suppl):87S-94S.5. Eyster ME, Alter HJ, Aledort LM et al. Heterosexual co-transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Ann Intern Med 1991 Nov 15;115(10):764- 8. is a long-time health journalist and an editor for Priority Healthcare. His credits include coverage of health news for the website of Fox Television's The Health Network, and articles for the New York Post and other consumer and trade publications.http://www.hepatiti sneighborhood. com/content/ in_the_news/ archive_1923. aspx