Risk factors for HCV infection. Focus on ethnic and cultural characteristics.

A precise understanding of the source of infection and modes of transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a worldwide priority in terms of public health. This is more evident where multi-ethnic customs cohabit. Despite the knowledge on risk factors for HCV transmission, nearly 50% of infected patients do not have a history suggesting a parenteral route of acquisition. In the present paper, the authors, focusing on ethnic and cultural aspects of HCV transmission, emphasize the need for health education in order to avoid the acquisition and the diffusion of the infection. With the current globalization and large-scale migrations, only by following a preventive strategy based on disseminate information risk behaviours may be modified.