Perinatal transmission of hepatitis C antigens: envelope 1, envelope 2 and non-structural 4.

Background: Perinatal exposure to hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigens during pregnancy may affect the developing immune system in the fetus. We aimed to study the perinatal transmission of HCV structural and non-structural antigens.

Methods: Sera from 402 pregnant mothers were tested for anti-HCV antibody and HCV RNA.