Alcohol and HCV...an unanswered question.

[DoubleDose]

Here is a curveball, along with an article regarding the highprevalance of HCV in alcoholics.  See link below.

http://www.nih.gov/news/pr/jun2003/niaaa-26.htm

This is an issue that I have discussed with several HCV doctors, with no clear answer to my questions.  The article, as well as several others I have reviewed lately, indicates the abnormally high number of heavy drinkers, alcoholics, etc. that are HCV positive.  Often this is within populations with no known risk factors, and no past IVDU history.  My big question, which I have wondered about for years, is WHY does this seem to be the case.  Why would heavy alcohol users seem prone to developing HCV???  Unless, of course, they are all lying, and happen to also have risk factors which they now deny.  I think there is much more to this mystery, which still baffles the medical community.

Along with my concerns about persistent HCV after SVR, is another concern which many of you have responded to in the past when I have posed this issue.  Could there be HCV transmission in the general population, on a much larger scale than suspected, that is not in the bloodstream or liver.  In effect, a 'latent' tissue, or glandular infection which remains latent or suppressed, until a major stimulus causes it to 'explode' into the bloodstream.  This theory would help explain the great numbers of HCV cases worldwide that have no known risk factors.
Could there be a somewhat 'dormant' viral infection in a large portion of our population, within organs like salivary system, sexual organs , membranes, CNS, etc.??? (cont. below)

[sailinlady]

When I was first diagnosed with HCV I read some where that it was traced back to blood samples from WW2.  Does anyone know anything about how far it has actually been traced back?  Is it simply because we don't have acurate blood samples prior to WW2 to test?  How long has this monster really been around?  Better yet, where did it come from?

I have to believe if only for my own sanity that it is blood borne only.

[mistybean]

I moved away from san jose in 1980.  I went to branham High and know the santa teresa area well.  I live in southern cal now..

[mistybean]

I am lucky and still shocked that i did not get HIV.  My bother still lives in the SF tendorline.  I would say he went from being a carpenter to being pretty close to homeless.  Drugs of course.  Just not the IV type.  I am glad you are out of the dark side of San Fran..

4 more shots to go...cheers

[Forseegood]

Wow, lived in Santa Monica then Venice, Main & San Juan, though a bit later, maybe passed a few of those Franklins with ya. Love Venice, though Ghosttown seems to be getting pushed farther and farther out of the city. wow.

[dancegirl54]

I had Hep B in the late 70's,I was a mess - got clean and sober and was tested for everything, so I thought.  Took really really good care of myself. My doctor periodically tested my liver enzymes - all was well until earlier this year when my daughter organized a blood drive and was so happy and excited - then the Red Cross called and said she had hep C and all of our lives changed.  I passed it to two of my four children.  The 2 ex-es have been tested, they are OK. I dont want to be on this journey but here I am.

[BostonGirl]

Hey Mistybean;
             You mentioned that you probably got infected in San Jose. Do you still live in the Bay area? I am in the Santa Teresa area. Hubby works for NASA Aimes research center( Mountain View ) Just curious. (((( Sue))))