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Ask the Experts about Women and HIV

 

HIV and Hep C in newborns
Nov 3, 2004

I am fostering identical twins born to a mom that is both HIV+ and has Hep C. Birth mom did all the right things to hopefully prevent transmission of the HIV, but what are their chances of having the Hep C? They are 2 weeks old and waiting on results of DNA testing for the HIV. Is there any such test for the Hep C and how long before we know they don't have it?

Response from Dr. Lee

Hep C has an erratic transmission pattern and so hopefully the children are not infected. If they have been infected, it is possible that they can clear the Hep without treatment. There are Hep C PCR tests that can be done for the children. If those tests are negative, they are likely not infected.

Be Well.



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