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Hepatitis

Immunoregulation in pregnancy and perinatal transmission of HCV

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Perinatal transmission of HCV is the main route of acquisition of HCV infection in children. Few studies have explored the mechanism of perinatal transmission, but a key role in transmission has been attributed to maternal viraemia. A new study now provides insights on the biological basis of this association.

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Figure 1: Risk factors for perinatal transmission of HCV.

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Correspondence to Giuseppe Indolfi.

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Indolfi, G., Azzari, C. & Resti, M. Immunoregulation in pregnancy and perinatal transmission of HCV. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 11, 6–7 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrgastro.2013.230

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