Mother-to-infant hepatitis C virus transmission and breastfeeding

Adv Exp Med Biol. 2004;554:211-6. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4757-4242-8_18.

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne virus that is transmitted most efficiently by irect percutaneous exposures to blood. Infants are at risk of HCV infection primarily as a result of transmission from their infected mothers. However, there is no evidence of mother-to-infant transmission from breastfeeding. According to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics, maternal HCV infection is not a contraindication to breastfeeding. It may be prudent for mothers who are HCV-infected and who choose to breastfeed to consider abstaining from breastfeeding if their nipples are cracked and bleeding.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Feeding* / adverse effects
  • Female
  • Hepatitis C / transmission*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical / prevention & control*
  • Milk, Human / virology*
  • Nipples / pathology
  • Risk Factors