HCV screening can prevent mothers to babies transmission of Hepatitis C.

• Position: Medical condition overview

ISLAMABAD -- In a recent study conducted by researchers in Canada stated that the transmission of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) from mothers to babies can be prevented.

According to the study published in the journal, 'Canadian Medical Association Journal' the transmission can only be prevented if Canada recommended universal screening for HCV in pregnancy.

Dr Chelsea Elwood, the lead author of the research said, 'We encourage all care providers to consider the reproductive implications of HCV, to consider HCV screening in pregnancy and referral for treatment of HCV.'

'The time has come to move toward universal HCV screening in women who are pregnant, with initial prenatal investigations that are then repeated based on risk factors in the third trimester,' she concluded. Almost half of the women infected with HCV are unaware of their infection, and...