Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-p9bg8 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-21T12:07:19.039Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Risk of Transmission and Features of Hepatitis C After Needlestick Injuries

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Saeed S. Hamid ,
Badar Farooqui ,
Qudsia Rizvi ,
Tarranum Sultana  and
Anwar A. Siddiqui
Saeed S. Hamid*
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Badar Farooqui
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Qudsia Rizvi
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Tarranum Sultana
Affiliation:
Department of Biochemistry, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Anwar A. Siddiqui
Affiliation:
Department of Biochemistry, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
*
Department of Medicine, The Aga Khan University Hospital, PO Box 3500, Karachi 74800, Pakistan
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

The rate of transmission and management of needlestick injuries from hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients to healthcare workers is still a matter of debate. We used a stringent protocol using monthly transaminase levels and polymerase chain reaction for HCV RNA to monitor 53 healthcare workers prospectively for up to 6 months following needle injuries from HCV-positive patients. Evidence of transmission of HCV was found in only 2 workers (4%) with mild asymptomatic infection, one of which resolved spontaneously. Based on our experience, we now use a less-intensive follow-up protocol. Further investigation is required to determine the most cost-effective method to monitor individuals who suffer a needlestick injury from an HCV-positive patient.

Type
Concise Communications
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 20 , Issue 1 , January 1999 , pp. 63 - 64
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1999

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1. Alter, MJ. Epidemiology of hepatitis C in the west. Semin Liver Dis 1995;15:5–14.Google Scholar
2. Hernandez, ME, Bruguera, M, Puyuelo, T, Barrera, JM, Sanchez Tapias, JM, Rodes, J. Risk of needle-stick injuries in the transmission of hepatitis C virus in hospital personnel. J Hepatol 1992;16:56–58.Google Scholar
3. Zuckerman, J, Clewley, G, Griffiths, P. Cockcroft, A. Prevalence of hepatitis C antibodies in clinical health care workers. Lancet 1994;343:1618–1620.Google Scholar
4. Petrosilla, N, Puro, V, Ippolito, G, Italian Study Group on blood borne occupational risk in dialysis. Prevalence of hepatitis C antibodies in health care workers. Lancet 1994;344:339–340.Google Scholar
5. Lanphear, BP, Linnermann, CC, Cannon, CG, Deronde, MM, Pendy, L, Kerley, LM. Hepatitis C virus infection in health care workers: risk of exposure and infection. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1994;15:745–750.Google Scholar
6. Mitsui, T, Iwano, K, Masuko, K, Yamazaki, C, Okamoto, H, Tsuda, F, et al. Hepatitis C virus infection in medical personnel after needlestick accident. Hepatology 1992;16:1109–1114.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
7. Chomczynski, P, Sacchi, N. Single step method of RNA isolation by acid guanidium thiocynate-phenol-chloroform extraction. Ann Biochem 1987;162:156–159.Google Scholar
8. Shikata, T, Karasawa, T, Abe, K, Uzawa, T, Suzuki, H, Oda, T, et al. Hepatitis B e antigen and infectivity of hepatitis B virus. J Infect Dis 1977;136:571–576.Google Scholar
9. Royce, RA Sena, A, Cates, W, Cohen, MS. Sexual transmission of HIV. N Engl J Med 1997;336:1072–1078.Google Scholar
10. Alter, MJ, Margolis, HS, Krawczynski, K, Judson, FN, Mares, A, Alexander, WJ, et al. The natural history of community acquired hepatitis C in the United States. N Engl J Med 1992;327:1899–1905.Google Scholar
11. Zafar, AB, Butler, C, Podgorny, JM, Mennona, PA, Gaydos, LA, Sandiford, JA. Effect of a comprehensive program to reduce needlestick injuries. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1997;18:712–715.Google Scholar