Q:

What is the risk of hepatitis C virus transmission from mother to child?

A:

The rate of mother-to-infant transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is approximately 5%. When the mother is co-infected with HIV, the vertical transmission rate of HCV is ~ 39%. Vertical transmission only occurs when mother has high serum titers of HCV RNA, although cut-off values have not been defined. Vertical transmission from non-viraemic mothers has not been established. There appears to be no correlation between vertical infection and either HCV genotype or delivery method. There appears to be no association between breast-feeding and HCV transmission. Pregnancy is not contra-indicated in HCV infected women. Because there is currently no effective way to prevent vertical transmission, routine HCV screening is not recommended for pregnant women. Children born to women known to be HCV-positive should have an HCV RNA test to determine their HCV status.