Hepatitis C Transmission
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Detection of HCV RNA in the Ear Wax of Patients with Chronic
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C virus is mainly transmitted by parenteral or percutaneous route. Nonparenteral transmission, such as through sexual activity, household contact, and vertical or perinatal exposure to body fluids or secretions can occur, which has been studied before. Cerumen (ear wax), however, has not been investigated for its ability to transmit hepatitis C virus. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether cerumen could have a role in transmission of hepatitis C virus infection. This study was performed on 35 patients with confirmed chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Thirty-five cerumen specimens collected from the patients with hepatitis C virus RNA in their sera were prospectively analyzed for the presence of hepatitis C virus RNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results None of the 35 cerumen specimens were positive for hepatitis C virus RNA. The authors conclude, “This study showed that cerumen has no risk for transmission of hepatitis C virus infection, even in patients with high hepatitis C virus RNA serum levels; however, standard infection control precautions should be applied carefully in all examinations and surgical operations of the ears.” From the Departments of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (y.b.), Otorhinolaryngology (m.t.k., o.o.), and Medical Microbiology (r.d.), Inonu University, Medical Faculty, Malatya, Turkey. 03/16/05
Reference
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