4 CASES WITH INTRAFAMILIAL CLUSTERING OF HEPATITIS-C VIRUS-INFECTION

Four hepatitis C patients with intrafamilial clustering of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are reported. Antibodies to C1OO-3 antigen, capsid protein of HCV and GOR epitope were tested to detect histories of HCV infection. Transmission of HCV from mother to children, from father to children, and from wife to husband was implicated. Of all family members studied, three were positive for all antibodies, one for only antibody to capsid protein, two for antibodies to capsid protein and GOR epitope but negative for antibody to C100-3 antigen and one vice versa.