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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
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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

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