Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus

Abstract

Globally, the prevalence of HCV is estimated by the World Health Organization (2003) to be 3% or approximately 170 million people and is anticipated to have a huge burden in future years on those infected as well as on economic costs. Hepatitis C is the leading cause of liver transplantation, cirrhosis and liver carcinoma throughout the world. Objective: The purpose is to review literature sources to clarify the controversial subject of sexual transmission of hepatitis and provide a resource tool for health care providers. Method: A search of electronic databases from 1991 to 2009 will be done and results summarized to display current evidence. Findings: Of the studies summarized in the pamphlet tool the percentage of seroconversion ranged from 0% to 6% and of those that converted a number of them had other risk factors that may have attributed to their results. Studies did show that there are certain conditions that increase the risk of sexual transmission above that of the general population.