Hepatitis C: Inheritance Risks and Testing Insights

Family history of hepatitis concerns?

Hello, Doctor.
My father and mother were recently diagnosed with hepatitis C during their health check-ups, and their liver enzyme levels are abnormal.
I would like to ask, although hepatitis C is transmitted through blood, is there a possibility that it can be inherited by their children? I recently had my liver enzyme levels checked and underwent an abdominal ultrasound, and the doctor said everything is normal.
Can I rule out having hepatitis C based on these results? Or is it possible for someone with hepatitis to have normal liver enzyme levels? Additionally, can abnormal liver enzyme levels indicate conditions other than hepatitis? Should I consider paying out of pocket for hepatitis A, B, and C tests? Thank you.

yikun, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/09/28

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello Yikun,
1.
The chance of mother-to-child transmission is approximately 5%.
Most cases occur when the mother's viral load is very high.

2.
We agree to self-pay for testing for hepatitis A, B, and C / antibodies.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.

Dr.
Chen Shidian

Reply Date: 2012/09/28

More Info

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily spreads through blood-to-blood contact. It is crucial to understand that Hepatitis C is not inherited genetically; rather, it is transmitted through specific risk factors, such as sharing needles, receiving contaminated blood products, or through sexual contact with an infected person. Therefore, if your parents have Hepatitis C, it does not mean that you will inherit the virus. However, it is essential to be aware of your own risk factors and to monitor your health accordingly.

Regarding your recent health check, it is reassuring that your liver function tests (LFTs) came back normal and that your ultrasound results were also satisfactory. Normal liver function tests typically indicate that your liver is functioning well and that there is no significant liver damage or inflammation at the moment. However, it is important to note that Hepatitis C can sometimes be present without causing immediate changes in liver enzyme levels. This means that a person can be infected with the virus while still having normal liver function tests. Therefore, while your current results are encouraging, they do not completely rule out the possibility of Hepatitis C infection.

If you are concerned about your risk of Hepatitis C, especially given your family history, it would be prudent to undergo specific testing for Hepatitis C. The standard initial test for Hepatitis C is the Anti-HCV antibody test. If this test is positive, it indicates that you have been exposed to the virus at some point. However, a positive antibody test does not confirm an active infection, as some individuals may clear the virus on their own. Therefore, if the antibody test is positive, a follow-up test for HCV RNA is necessary to determine if the virus is currently present in your blood.

In your case, since you are feeling anxious about the possibility of infection, it may be beneficial to discuss with your healthcare provider the option of getting tested for Hepatitis A, B, and C. This comprehensive testing can provide you with peace of mind and help rule out any potential infections. Keep in mind that Hepatitis A and B have different modes of transmission and can be prevented through vaccination, which is not the case for Hepatitis C.

In summary, while Hepatitis C is not inherited, it is essential to be proactive about your health, especially with a family history of the virus. Normal liver function tests are a good sign, but they do not completely exclude the possibility of infection. Therefore, consider discussing further testing with your healthcare provider to ensure your health is monitored appropriately. Regular check-ups and awareness of your health status are key components in managing your risk for Hepatitis C and other liver-related conditions.

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