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 percent. When the mother is co-infected with HIV, the vertical transmission rate of HCV is ~ 39 percent. 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.