1. Covert transmission of hepatitis C virus during bloody fisticuffs.
- Author
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Bourlière M, Halfon P, Quentin Y, David P, Mengotti C, Portal I, Khiri H, Benali S, Perrier H, Boustière C, Jullien M, and Lambot G
- Subjects
- DNA, Viral analysis, Football, Genotype, Hepatitis C blood, Hepatitis C genetics, Hepatitis C, Chronic blood, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Boxing, Hepatitis C transmission, Hepatitis C, Chronic etiology, Violence
- Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is transmitted primarily through direct percutaneous exposure to infected blood. Sporadic HCV cases exist and may represent more than 10% of HCV transmission. We report the first case of documented transmission of HCV during a fight from a person who unknowingly had chronic HCV infection to a person who subsequently contracted acute hepatitis C. Patient-to-patient transmission was ascertained by sequence analysis of part of the NS5B genome and phylogenetic analysis. This case report suggests that sporadic HCV infection may be a result of blood exposure. This example of transmission could have a major impact in sports such as boxing or rugby. We suggest that in any fight, single use or nondisposable material should be used to dry blood to avoid such contamination.
- Published
- 2000
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