Heterosexual and homosexual transmission of hepatitis C virus: relation with hepatitis B virus and human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

A seroprevalence study was carried out on 1757 outpatients consecutively seen in a sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinic in order to evaluate the sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV). A total of 1442 consenting patients were tested for hepatitis C, hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HCV, HBV, HIV-1) antibodies. The relations between anti-HCV, anti-HBc and anti-HIV-1 were studied. Of 73 anti-HCV positive reactions, 45 (61.6%) were confirmed by the recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA). The proportion of individuals with anti-HCV was higher in outpatients with a history of sexually transmitted disease than without. It was 2.8% in non drug user heterosexuals and 2.9% in non drug user homosexuals. Intravenous drug users (IDU) had higher anti-HCV prevalence when a history of STD was taken into account (42.3% in subjects with STD versus 36.7% in subjects without STD). Among non drug user heterosexuals an association was found between anti-HCV and anti-HBc. These data suggest that sexual transmission of HCV occurs, although it seems to be less efficient than other parenteral modes of transmission. When a more sensitive and specific marker of HCV infection become available, a more accurate estimate of the frequency and efficiency of the sexual transmission will be possible.     

Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus infection

The role of sexual transmission in the diffusion of HCV infection, was studied through the seroprevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in the heterosexual habitual partners of 83 anti-HCV positive subjects. The index cases were represented by 10 dialysed subjects, 31 patients with chronic liver disease and 42 healthy carriers. Seroprevalence of anti-HCV positivity reported in partners was 8.43%, with a higher rate in cohabitants of patients with chronic liver disease (16.12% vs 4.76% of carriers); no case was found among partners of dialysed subjects. Laboratory and ultrasonograph signs of chronic hepatitis were reported in 3 cases (3.61%). Control on 70% of the cohabitants' relatives, was negative for HCV infections. These data suggest a possible sexual transmission of HCV infection, even if its prevalence resulted modest, undoubtedly lower than in other disease sexually transmitted.     

Seroepidemiological survey of hepatitis C virus among commercial sex workers and pregnant women in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

BACKGROUND: Studies conducted mainly in industrialized countries have shown that the transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is mainly parenteral, and have emphasized the role of nosocomial transmission. In Equatorial Africa, the respective contributions of parenteral and non-parenteral routes of transmission are unknown. The potential role of sexual transmission in this area of high HCV endemicity, where sexually transmitted infections (STI) are frequent, is suggested by the fact that HCV infection is rare in infants and young adolescents, but increases thereafter with age. The present study, conducted in Democratic Republic of Congo, was designed to determine the prevalence of HCV infection and associated sexual risk factors in two female populations with different sexual behaviour. METHODS: Cross-sectional studies conducted among commercial sex workers (CSW; n = 1144) and pregnant women (n = 1092) in the late 1980s in Kinshasa showed a high frequency of at-risk sexual behaviour, STI and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, particularly among CSW. We screened samples collected during these epidemiological studies for antibodies to HCV using a second-generation ELISA with confirmation by a third-generation LIA. We also assessed sociodemographic variables, medical history, STI markers and sexual behaviour, and their potential association with HCV infection. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 6.6% (95% CI : 5.2-8.2) among CSW and 4.3% (95% CI : 3.2-5.7) among pregnant women (age-adjusted OR = 1.5, 95% CI : 1.0-2.1, P = 0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of anti-HCV among CSW was independently associated with a previous history of blood transfusion (P < 0.001), age >30 years (P < 0.001) and the presence of at least one biological marker of STI (P < 0.03). No such links were found among pregnant women (although the history of blood transfusions was not investigated in this group). Anti-HCV was not associated with sociodemographic variables or sexual behaviour in either group, or with individual markers of STI. Despite the high-risk sexual behaviour and the higher prevalence of STI in CSW, the difference in HCV seroprevalence between CSW and pregnant women (6.6% versus 4.3%) was small, particularly when compared with the difference in the seroprevalence of HIV (34.1% versus 2.8%). CONCLUSION: The role of sexual transmission in the spread of HCV seems to be limited. Parenteral transmission (including blood transfusion and injections), possibly related to the treatment of STI, probably plays a major role.     

Hepatitis B and C infections, human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections among women of childbearing age in C?te d'Ivoire, West Africa.

Few studies have been conducted in developing countries to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and its association with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). We have screened for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV markers 200 HIV-1-positive, 23 HIV-2-positive and 206 HIV-negative women attending gynaecology clinics in 1995/96 in Abidjan, C?te d'Ivoire, a sample selected among 2198 consecutive consultants. Taking into account the prevalence of 21.7% for HIV in this population, the overall prevalence of anti-HBV core antibody was 81.6%, that for hepatitis B surface antigen was 9.9% and for HCV antibody was 3.3%. HIV infection and other STDs were not associated with HBV or HCV markers. Moreover, HBV and HCV markers were not statistically associated. Our results confirm the high prevalence of HIV in Abidjan and the endemic situation of HBV infection. Furthermore, HCV infection is not infrequent in this developing country setting, not explained by sexual transmission.     

Serological markers of selected sexually and blood transmitted infections in pregnant women and in newborns of HIV-positive mothers in the Slovak Republic

Aim of the study was to investigate serological markers of selected sexually and blood transmitted infections (HBV, HCV, CMV, and Treponema pallidum) in the group of pregnant women and in newborns of HIV-positive mothers in Slovakia. IgG antibodies to CMV were found in 78 of 97 women, from them in 6 of 7 HIV-positive and in 72 of 90 HIV-negative persons. Occurrence of HbsAg and HCV was significantly higher in the group of HIV-positive women (1/7 and 2/7) comparing to the HIV-negative one (4/90 and 0/92, respectively). Antibodies to T. pallidum were found only in one HIV-negative woman from 92 women tested. Five of seven children born to HIV-1 infected mothers were found HIV-1 negative, two children are still under control. Four of 7 newborns were found anti-CMV IgG positive. Although one woman, IDU, was confirmed HbsAg and anti-HCV positive, vertical transmission of HBV and HCV to her newborn was not observed by molecular-biological methods. Similarly, HCV antibodies were found in one more women and neither in her child HCV infection was confirmed. In no one of mother - child pair's antibodies to T. pallidum were observed. Due to these findings strong attention should be paid to health education and prophylaxis of mother to child HIV and other STIs transmission in Slovakia.     

HCV transmission in family members of subjects with HCV related chronic liver disease

To investigate the risk of sexual and intrafamilial transmission of HCV, 220 family members of 76 patients (index cases) with chronic type C viral liver disease were tested for serological markers of HCV Of the family members, 129 were offspring, 64 sexual partners, 15 parents and 12 siblings of the index cases. Anti-HCV was tested in all the household contacts; HCV-RNA was tested in antibody positive samples. The serologic markers of HCV were tested in a control group of 168 family members of 81 patients with chronic hepatitis unrelated to HCV. The overall prevalence of anti-HCV was 8.2% compared to 0.6% in the control group (p < 0.001). Sexual partners were anti-HCV positive more frequently than the other contacts (20% vs 2.2%; p < 0.001), without any difference in males or females. No correlation was observed between the occurrence of HCV infection in contacts and age, severity of liver disease or risk factor for the acquisition of HCV in the index cases. Seven of the 18 (39%) anti-HCV positive family contacts had biochemical evidence of chronic liver disease, histologically confirmed in the 6 patients who underwent a liver biopsy. Liver chemistry was normal in all the HCV-negative contacts. Ten of the 18 anti-HCV positive contacts (55%) were HCV-RNA positive. Genotypes were the same (lb) in 4 of the 7 viremic couples of subjects: in 3 of the 6 couples of sexual partners and in the only mother/son couple. These data suggest the occurrence of intraspousal transmission of HCV, while intrafamiliar acquisition of HCV in non-sexual contacts seems to be rare.     

Sexual Activity and Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection Among Young Adults After Introduction of a Vaccination Program in an Area of High Endemicity

Background

In areas where hepatitis is endemic, little is known about the sexual transmission of HBV after introduction of an HBV vaccination program.

Methods

We used a self-administered questionnaire and serological tests for HBsAg, anti-HBs, anti-HBc, and anti-HCV to examine the role of sexual activity, as well as sociodemographic status, lifestyle habits, and a history of vaccinations, transfusions, and surgery, in the transmission of HBV and HCV in Korea. The subjects were 865 female and 541 male university students (median age, 19 years; age range, 16–25).

Results

Overall seropositivity was 8.1% for HBsAg, 69.3% for anti-HBs, 21.3% for anti-HBc, and 0.4% for anti-HCV. Regarding HBV, 8% of the subjects were chronic carriers or had recently been infected, 22.8% were never exposed and nonvaccinated, 16.6% were exposed noncarriers, and 52.7% had most likely been vaccinated. We found a significant association between HBsAg seropositivity and history of sexual intercourse (Odds Ratio, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1–2.8). Students without serologic evidence of immunization against HBV were more likely to have become HBsAg-positive after becoming sexually active.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that sexual transmission does occur among adolescents and young adults who have not been vaccinated, whereas vaccination protects individuals from becoming an HBV carrier after becoming sexually active.Key words: hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, sexual transmission, vaccination, endemic area     

Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus among family members of patients with chronic hepatitis C

In this study, 108 family members of 40 chronically HCV-infected patients (19 post-transfusion and 21 sporadic), and 45 families of 16 anti-HCV-negative index cases (control group) were tested for anti-HCV antibodies. Anti-HCV antibodies were found in 16 (14.8%) families of anti-HCV positive index cases (15% males and 14.6% females; p = NS), with no difference between families of index cases with post-transfusion and those with sporadic HCV infection. Out of the 16 anti-HCV positive family members, 12 (75%) had clinical and/or serological evidence of chronic liver damage. None of the control group subjects were anti-HCV-positive (p < 0.01). The rate of anti-HCV positivity was 34.4% among spouses, 14.3% among siblings, 16.7% among cohabitants and 2.3% among children; anti-HCV antibodies were not detected among parents. We found a positive correlation between the prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among families and the severity of the HCV-related chronic liver damage of the index cases (p < 0.00005). In addition, to confirm that HCV infection and HCV-related chronic hepatitis may be transmitted intrafamiliarly, our findings also indicate that horizontal, especially sexual contact, is a more important route of HCV infection than vertical/perinatal transmission. Finally, the risk of acquiring HCV infection among families appears to be the highest when index cases are suffering from severe HCV-related chronic hepatitis.Corresponding author.     

Hepatitis C virus infection in family setting

To evaluate risk factors associated with intrafamiliar transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV), 113 hepatitis C virus index subjects with chronic HCV infection and their 267 family contacts were studied from January 1994 to October 1995. Overall, 16 family contacts (6%) were positive for anti-HCV by ELISA II generation. The prevalence was 11.3% in spouses and 2.9% in other relatives (odds ratios: 4.2; 95% CI: 1.4–12.6). Spouses who had been married to the index cases longer than 20 years had a 7.5–fold risk (95% CI: 1.0–336.3) of HCV seropositivity as compared to those married less than 20 years. In univariate analysis HCV seropositivity was associated with surgical intervention, use of glass syringes and hospitalization. The results of multivariate logistic analysis showed that any parenteral exposure (odds ratios: 3.8; 95% CI: 1.2–12.8) and sexual contact with an anti-HCV index case (odds ratios: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.0–9.4) were both independent predictors of HCV seropositivity among household contacts of HCV positive index cases. These findings indicate that sexual contact and any parenteral exposure both play an independent role in the spread of HCV infection in the family setting.     

Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus among female prostitutes and patients with sexually transmitted diseases in Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan.

The authors investigated the prevalence of antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in 404 female prostitutes, 428 clinic patients with a history of at least one episode of sexually transmitted disease, and 8,944 blood donors who served as the controls. All subjects were Japanese, and all studies were carried out in Fukuoka, Kyushu, Japan, in 1989. The prevalence of anti-HCV was significantly higher in the prostitutes (6.2%), in the female patients with sexually transmitted diseases (6.1%), and in the male patients with sexually transmitted diseases (2.9%) than in the controls (1.5%). Prevalence of anti-HCV increased with age in prostitutes and in the controls. The prevalence of anti-HCV in those who had been involved in prostitution for 1 year or more (8.1%) was higher than in those who had been involved in prostitution for less than 1 year (1.4%), but the difference was not statistically significant. One of the 152 anti-HCV negative prostitutes seroconverted between 1 and 2 years later. Among the subjects with sexually transmitted diseases, patients with a history of at least one episode of syphilis had a significantly higher prevalence of anti-HCV (4.4%) than the controls. Patients with acute urethritis and cervicitis also showed a high prevalence of anti-HCV (3.6% and 6.7%, respectively). These data support the possibility of sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus.     

河南省新报告HIV感染者中丙型肝炎病毒感染状况及其影响因素分析

目的 了解河南省新报告HIV感染者中丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）感染情况及其相关影响因素。方法 对2012年7月1日至2013年6月30日河南省所有新确证上报的HIV-1感染者进行信息整理、HIV-1 BED新发感染检测和HCV抗体检测。结果 河南省该期间新确证上报2 049例HIV-1感染者中HCV抗体阳性率为14.87%（271/1 887），BED阳性比例（新发感染比例）为26.34%（497/1 887）。新发HIV-1感染者中HCV抗体阳性率较既往HIV-1感染者低，20～39岁组HIV-1感染者的HCV抗体阳性率较其他年龄组低，个别地区HIV-1感染者的HCV抗体阳性率较高，经注射吸毒感染HIV-1者中HCV抗体阳性率较高。结论 新发感染、年龄、传播途径和地区分布是河南省新报告HIV-1感染者中HCV感染率的影响因素，应有针对性地开展此人群的丙型肝炎防治工作。     

Self-report of sexually transmitted infections from 1994 to 2010 by adults living in France

BackgroundSince 1994, French population-based knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices surveys have enabled researchers to estimate trends in sexual behavioural indicators.MethodsWe estimated trends and prevalence of self-reported sexually transmitted infections during the previous 5 years among 16,095 sexually active adults aged 18–54 through five cross-sectional telephone surveys between 1994 and 2010. We then studied the factors associated with participants’ most recent sexually transmitted infections other than genital candidiasis.ResultsOverall, 2.5% (95% confidence interval: 2.2%–2.9%) of women reported sexually transmitted infections within the previous 5 years, increases being continuously reported between 1998 and 2010. In contrast, men reported lower prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (1.4%; 95% confidence interval: 1.1%–1.7%), which remained stable over time. General practitioners and gynaecologists managed most sexually transmitted infections. Men notified their stable partners about infection less often than women (66% vs. 84%). Self-reported sexually transmitted infections were associated with younger age, multiple sexual partnerships and fear of sexually transmitted infections in both genders, with exclusively homosexual practices in men, and with a high educational level and recent HIV testing in women.ConclusionSelf-reported sexually transmitted infections clearly reflect risky sexual behaviours. The lower prevalence of self-reported sexually transmitted infections among men than among women may reflect less access to screening activities for sexually transmitted infections in men.     

四川省2011－2015年4类高危人群HIV-1新发感染率及流行趋势分析

目的 在注射吸毒者、MSM、暗娼和性病门诊男性就诊者中开展HIV-1新发感染检测,估算新发感染率,了解艾滋病在4类人群中的流行趋势。方法 收集2011-2015年四川省注射吸毒者、MSM、暗娼和性病门诊男性就诊者监测哨点的确证阳性样本,排除既往感染后,采用BED-CEIA方法进行新发感染检测,估算4类人群的HIV-1新发感染率。结果 2011-2015年4类人群共计监测194 223例,检出HIV-1阳性5 297例,完成BED-CEIA检测4 640例,判为新发感染749例。MSM、暗娼、性病门诊男性就诊,凉山州3个吸毒哨点（主要为彝族聚居地）监测的注射吸毒者、凉山州外地区吸毒哨点监测的注射吸毒者HIV-1新发感染率分别为5.16%（95% CI：4.65~5.66）、0.22%（95% CI：0.16~0.28）、0.57%（95% CI：0.45~0.69）和7.53%（95% CI：6.06~9.01）、0.44%（95% CI：0.36~0.53）。经χ²检验,各年新发感染率差异均有统计学意义。结论 2011-2015年凉山州外地区的注射吸毒者、暗娼和性病门诊男性就诊者新发感染率均保持在较低的水平,防治工作取得一定成效。MSM的HIV-1新发感染率较高,且存在上升趋势,不排除HIV由MSM向其他高危人群扩散的可能。     

Intrauterine device use does not increase the incidence of anti-hepatitis C seropositivity among monogamous women in Turkey

Background

The relationship between intrauterine device (IUD) use and anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) status has not been investigated yet. The aims of this study were to compare anti-HCV seropositivity between IUD users and nonusers and to determine whether IUD use is an independent risk factor for anti-HCV seropositivity.

Study Design

This cross-sectional study included 302 married women who used either an IUD (n=164) or did not use any form of modern contraception (n=138). Statistical analysis was carried out using multiple logistic regression models.

Results

Most women were housewives and all indicated their husbands as the one and only lifetime sexual partner. None of the women have ever used intravenous drugs. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in any of the major risk factors for HCV exposure such as invasive dental procedures, parenteral injections, surgery and blood or blood product transfusions. Twenty-seven (8.9%) of the participants were anti-HCV-positive. Of these, 14 were IUD users and 13 were nonusers and there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p=.472). The most important risk factors for anti-HCV seropositivity were the number of deliveries (OR=1.41; 95% CI 1.07-1.86) and invasive dental procedures (OR=2.39; 95% CI 1.07-5.39).

Conclusions

IUD use is not associated with an increased incidence of anti-HCV seropositivity among monogamous women. The IUD may be an appropriate contraceptive option for women in stable monogamous partnership with HCV carriers and condom use should not be specifically recommended in this situation.     

Sexual behaviour among truck drivers in Pakistan

This study examines the level of risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections among truck drivers and their helpers in Pakistan. Quantitative, self-reported, sexual behaviour data were collected from 300 randomly selected long-distance truck drivers and their helpers. Qualitative information was gathered through conversations with drivers. The findings show that multiple sexual partnerships with men and women are common among truckers. Awareness of AIDS and knowledge of sexual transmission of HIV is high. However, most truckers do not believe that AIDS exists in Pakistan. Nor are they aware that condoms are an effective way of preventing HIV transmission. Knowledge of the risks associated with unprotected sex is low among truckers, who consider themselves invulnerable to sexually transmitted infections because of their self-perception of being moral persons. Campaigns to increase risk awareness should emphasize the importance of condom use as an STI/HIV prevention method. Interpersonal communication is likely to be important in convincing truckers that sexually transmitted infections can be prevented.     

Sexual behaviour and multiple infections in drug abusers

We have studied the prevalence and the serological profile of HBV, HCV, HDV and HIV infections in 137 Italian subjects addicted to the intravenous use of heroine and correlated the virological findings with sexual behaviour. HBV and HCV viremia were also measured in 114 patients. Anti-HCV was detected in 81% of the addicts, and one or more markers of HBV infection were detected in 62.8% (4.4% were carriers of HBsAg, 58.4% had evidence of past HBV infection and 13.1% of the latter also had HDV markers). Anti-HIV was positive in 23.4%; 26% of those positive for anti-HCV and 4.6% of those positive for HBV markers had no other viral marker: none had only anti-HIV. HBV-DNA was negative in the carriers of HBsAg, and HCV-RNA was not detected in any of the HBsAg carriers who also had circulating anti-HCV Overall, 34% of the anti-HCV positive addicts had HCV-RNA in their blood. The prevalence of the virus infection correlated with the duration of drug addiction but not with sexual behaviour, and sexual behaviour did not influence the acquisition of any virus. HCV infection was most frequent and probably the first infection to occur, but exposure to HBV was also common despite a low rate of HBsAg carriage. The prevalence of HDV infection was high (50%) in the HBsAg carriers, while the overall prevalence of HIV was lower (23%) than expected. Lack of HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA in carriers of HBV with anti-HCV in serum may indicate that HBV and HCV mutually inhibit their own replication.     

Sexual and non-sexual intrafamilial spread of hepatitis C virus: Intrafamilial transmission of HCV

The rate of intrafamilial transmission of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) was investigated in 90 family members of 41 index patients with type C chronic liver disease. Antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) was detected by the EIA method (Abbott-Axsym Sys) and Hepatitis C virus RNA, by the polymerase chain reaction (Nested PCR). We also investigated the presence of anti-HCV in 350 healthy persons (control group). The subjects in the study included 38 spouses, 45 children and others (1 relative and 6 parents). Four family members including 3/38 (7.8%) spouses and 1 sister were found to be positive for anti HCV antibodies but none had HCV RNA. Anti-HCV was not detected in the children of index patients. The prevalence of anti-HCV in the families of index patients was significantly higher than in the controls (4.3% versus 0.85%) (p = 0.0355). We concluded that the intrafamilial transmission of HCV is possible but occurs at a low rate.     

Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus: the Turin study.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease with the risk of evolution towards hepatic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Numerous studies have documented the possibility of HCV transmission through blood transfusions during surgery or during intravenous drug use. The percentage of the risk of sexual transmission, in the general population not presenting the aforesaid risks is still very controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concomitant levels of seropositivity for anti-HCV, in the partners of patients with chronic HCV liver disease, but no history of previous transfusions or use of intravenous drugs. METHODS: The study included 196 anti-HCV positive spouses with a clinical diagnosis of active chronic hepatitis, aged between 20 and 75 years (mean age 53 years, SD+/-11 years). HCV infection was diagnosed by positivity of serum samples for anti HCV (EIA), confirmed by RIBA II and by circulating HCV-RNA detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). All partners underwent anti-HCV assay (EIA), confirmed by RIBA II in the event of positivity. RESULTS: The mean period of cohabitation was 27 years (range 3-37, SD+/-9.8 years). The positivity of anti HCV in both subjects affected 11 couples (5.6%). Of these couples, the viral genotype was also available in 3 cases which proved to be identical in the index patient and the partner, whereas it was not possible to identify the genotype in other couples owing to scarce compliance. CONCLUSIONS: The data obtained from this study confirm the possibility of the sexual transmission of HCV. However, in the context of subjects not belonging to "high risk" groups, this method of transmission does not appear to be important if compared with that of other viruses (HBV and HIV).     

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C in HIV-negative homosexual men in Sydney, Australia

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C (HCV) in HIV-negative homosexual men in Sydney. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted in a sample of community-based, HIV-negative, homosexual men in Sydney. Participants underwent a face-to-face interview regarding sexual behaviour, sexually transmissible infections, and injecting drug use (IDU). RESULTS: Eight hundred and twenty-four men consented to HCV testing, and the prevalence was 0.85% (95% CI 0.34-1.74). HCV seropositivity was strongly associated with a history of IDU (OR = 60.43, 95% CI 6.70-544.79). All HCV seropositive individuals reported a history of either IDU or other means by which they may have had parenteral exposure to HCV. There was no evidence of an independent association between sexual behaviour and HCV infection. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HCV in this cohort was about the same as in the general population in Australia, and there was no evidence for sexual transmission in this population.     

Hepatitis C virus infection in homosexual men: A seroepidemiological study in gay clubs in North-East Italy

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C virus (HCV), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV antibodies was studied in a group of 259 apparently healthy homosexual men of the Veneto Region (Italy). Subjects were recruited between 1987 and 1989 from homosexual men's clubs.Seropositivity was evaluated in relation to main risk factors associated with the lifestyle and sexual behaviours of this population. Serological evaluation revealed an overall prevalence of HCV infection of 18.9% in the study population as a whole, but on breaking the samples down into three subgroups according to optical density (O.D.) values and to the year of sera collection, different seroprevalences were observed. Prevalence of anti-HCV was higher in 1987 and steadily decreased in 1988 and 1989; 4.1% of subjects gave positive results at O.D. > 2.0, while 6.2% were positive at O.D. between 0.8 and 2.0 and 9.6% at O.D. between cut-off and 0.8.Anti-HCV positivity was not correlated with HIV nor HBV positivity. No correlation was found between HCV seropositivity and either the type of anogenital intercourse or sexual promiscuity, but the prevalence increased (p = n.s.), as observed for HIV (p < 0.05) and HBV (p = n.s.), with the number of intercourses per month. Epidemiological and preventive aspects arising from the investigation are discussed herein.Corresponding author.