Hepatitis C virus infection during pregnancy in North India

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is responsible for 20% of cases of acute viral hepatitis and nearly 50% of cases of chronic viral hepatitis. Most persons acutely infected with HCV will develop a persistent infection and nearly 70% will experience chronic necroinflammation of the liver. Information concerning potential risk factors for HCV infection is provided by studies conducted on blood donors on patients with chronic liver disease and on individuals with a history of intravenous drug use. The present study aims to assess the seroprevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in healthy asymptomatic pregnant women from the Indian subcontinent. (excerpt)