ABSTRACT
We aimed in this work at investigating the possibility of intrafamilial spread of HCV and analyzing its possible transmission routes through studying the HCV Ab and RNA status of 18 multi-transfused index children and 64 of their family members. Fourteen other children who were HCVAb and RNA negative and 36 of their family members were taken as a control group. All candidates of the study were subjected to a detailed questionnaire on risk factors for parentral exposure and eating, social and health habits. It was found that HCV prevalence among family members of the HCV positive index cases was significantly higher than among family members of the control children [31.2% vs 5.9% P < 0.05]. The highest incidence was in mothers [52.9%] followed by fathers [35.5%] then sibs [12.5%]. Index cases with an elevated ALT had a significantly higher number of HCV positive family members than those with a normal ALT [P <0.05]. Social class, age of index case and histological diagnosis of liver disease in the index case did not have a significant impact on the HCV status in family members. Also, there was a significant higher percentage of HCV positive family members among those who shared personal objects with the index case compared to those who didn't [42.5% vs 12.5% P < 0.05]