Managing occupational risks for hepatitis C transmission in the health care setting

Occupational Health Update: Evaluation and Management of Exposures and Postexposure Prophylaxis

Health care personnel (HCP) are at risk of exposure to infectious agents depending on their job duties and other factors. Risks include percutaneous exposure to blood-borne pathogens via sharp injuries (eg, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus); exposure by direct contact, droplet, or airborne transmission of pathogens through direct patient care (eg, pertussis, invasive meningococcus infections, tuberculosis); and through indirect contact transmission related to the contaminated health care environment (eg, Clostridioides difficile). Occupational health programs must effectively identify and respond to potential exposures and provide guidance to HCP on postexposure prophylaxis.

Update on Hepatitis C Epidemiology: Unaware and Untreated Infected Population Could Be the Key to Elimination

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 71 million people have chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A significant number of these will develop cirrhosis or liver cancer. Currently, during the COVID-19 outbreak, a high mortality rate has been found in patients with COVID-19 and cirrhosis. New direct-acting antiviral agents can cure more than 90% of HCV-infected patients. The new WHO strategy has introduced global goals against viral hepatitis, including a 30% reduction in new HCV cases and a 10% reduction in mortality by 2020. HCV transmission has changed considerably, reflecting both the evolution of medicine and health and social changes. The HCV is usually spread through blood-to-blood contact. After the discovery of HCV in 1989, antibody screening has drastically decreased the incidence of post-transfusion hepatitis. Nowadays, routine blood donor screening by nucleic acid amplification testing for the presence of HCV RNA has been introduced in many countries. It is conceivable that HCV screening could be offered to people born between 1946 and 1964 in the developed world and to people at high risk for HCV infection such as those who have received blood transfusions, blood products or organ donations before the 1990s, prisoners, health care workers, drug users and infants born to HCV-infected women. To achieve HCV elimination, health programmes should include improvement to access to health care services, increased screening and new projects to identify a submerged portion of patients with HCV infection. Submerged people with HCV infection are both people who are unaware of their condition and people diagnosed with HCV but not yet treated. Based on these premises, this review will examine and discuss the epidemiological changes in contracting HCV, highlighting the ways in which to identify a submerged portion of patients with HCV infection.

Post-exposure prophylaxis for Blood-Borne Viral (BBV) Infections

Viral infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV), are transmitted either sexually or through blood-borne contamination. The later causes enormous concern within health establishments and health care-workers. Post-exposure management of HIV rests on the use of triple Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), but special care must be taken to choose the right combination for particular circumstances, especially when the subject is pregnant or likely to get pregnant from the event. New-borns of mothers living with HIV require special attention, as maternal viral load plays a central role in their management. When viral load is not detectable, there is a good argument to avoid ART in these infants. Continued maternal ART is encouraged more so in women who intend to breastfeed. The management of exposure to Hepatitis B requires a detailed risk assessment of the source. In high-risk cases, Hep B immunoglobulin will be necessary otherwise passive immunisation with HBV vaccine will suffice. The use of anti-viral treatment for exposure to Hepatitis C remains controversial. New and potent drugs have been introduced but are quite expensive, and the cost-effectiveness of post-exposure therapy should be considered. Curative treatment now exists for HCV, and an option might be to follow exposed subjects up and give them definitive treatment if seroconversion occurs. This review discusses in details the practical steps in the management of sexual and occupational exposure to HIV and other blood-borne viruses with emphasis on preventing infections. Healthcare facilities should have tightly managed protocols for the management of exposure and the ability to start medication as early as possible when indicated.

Remanufactured circular mapping catheters: safety, effectiveness and cost

Background

The use of remanufactured single-use devices (SUDs), including cardiac electrophysiology catheters, has become established in the USA and other health care systems but without much published scientific evaluation on the relative safety or efficacy of these devices. In the United Kingdom (UK), the use of remanufactured SUDs has not been routine. We performed a structured evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a remanufactured circular mapping catheter (Stryker® remanufactured Lasso NAV 2515) during its introduction in our centre.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated the performance of a remanufactured circular mapping catheter in 100 consecutive patients undergoing an AF ablation. Operator feedback was obtained, assessing the device appearance, ease of use and function. As an indirect measurement of efficacy, acute procedure metrics were compared to those in 100 propensity-matched cases performed by the same operators using a new device. Cost savings were calculated.

Results

No complication occurred in association with the remanufactured device. There was one reported failure of device malfunction—the flexion-extension mechanism of a remanufactured catheter and none in the matched-control group. There was satisfactory communication with the electro-anatomic mapping system. Ease of use of the remanufactured catheter was reported to be similar to a newly manufactured device. Procedural duration was similar with remanufactured devices and matched controls. With 100 cases using the remanufactured device, cost savings amounted to £30,444.

Conclusions

The use of remanufactured circular mapping catheters is safe, efficient and reliable. Widespread use of remanufactured SUDs offers the possibility of significant economic benefit.

Analysis of hepatitis C infection using Raman spectroscopy and proximity based classification in the transformed domain

This work presents a diagnostic system for the hepatitis C infection using Raman spectroscopy and proximity based classification. The proposed method exploits transformed Raman spectra using the proximity based machine learning technique and is denoted as RS-PCA-Prox. First, Raman spectral data is baseline corrected by subtracting noise and low intensity background. After this, a feature transformation of Raman spectra is adopted, not only to reduce the feature's dimensionality but also to learn different deviations in Raman shifts. The proposed RS-PCA-Prox shows significant diagnostic power in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity as 95%, 0.97 and 0.94 in PCA based transformed domain. The comparison of the RS-PCA-Prox with linear and ensemble based classifiers shows that proximity based classification performs better for the discrimination of HCV infected individuals and is able to differentiate the infected individuals from normal ones on the basis of molecular spectral information. Furthermore, it is observed that characteristic spectral changes are due to variation in the intensity of lectin, chitin, lipids, ammonia and viral protein as a consequence of the HCV infection.

Hepatitis C Virus Screening Trends: Serial Cross-Sectional Analysis of the National Health Interview Survey Population, 2013-2015

Background: Rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are markedly higher for baby boomers compared with other birth cohorts, and they are now recommended for universal one-time screening. This study examines HCV screening rates and predictors for four birth cohorts [born <1945, born 1945-1965 (baby boomers), born 1966-1985, and born >1985] of a nationally representative sample over time.Methods: We used data from the 2013-2015 National Health Interview Surveys, an annual weighted survey of the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population. We assessed HCV screening prevalence stratified birth cohort with bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.Results: There were 15,100 participants born <1945, 28,725 baby boomers, 28,089 born 1966-1985, and 13,296 born >1985 in the final analytic sample. Screening was 11.5%-12.8% for baby boomers. The second youngest birth cohort was similar to baby boomers (13.7%-14.9%), whereas the older birth cohort was screened less. After excluding participants who typically have higher rates of HCV screening than the general population, we developed a multivariable model of the general population. In the final model for baby boomers the odds of HCV screening increased significantly with each subsequent year (OR=1.20; 95% CI=1.05-1.38 and OR=1.31; 95% CI=1.13-1.52). HCV screening was also significantly associated with age, gender, and race/ethnicity in baby boomers.Conclusions: While HCV screening is increasing over time, these increases are minimal and there is substantial room for improvement.Impact: Future research should develop interventions to increase HCV screening with special focus on groups demonstrating significantly lower screening rates, such as Hispanics and females. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(4); 503-13. ©2018 AACR.

Postexposure prophylaxis after hepatitis C occupational exposure in the interferon-free era

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Healthcare personnel are at risk for occupational exposures to bloodborne pathogens. Primary prevention remains the first line of defense, but secondary prevention measures known to be effective should be implemented when percutaneous exposures occur. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major infectious cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Chronic HCV treatment has changed dramatically, with many all-oral directly acting anti-HCV antiviral (DAA) regimens now available. Evidence for the use of DAAs as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) after occupational exposures to HCV is summarized here.

RECENT FINDINGS

Little new evidence supports the use of antivirals in acute HCV infection. Several preliminary studies have examined the use of DAAs or host target agents in chronic HCV treatment. Effective HCV PEP requirements likely include pan-genotypic activity and a high barrier to resistance. One investigational DAA has shown promising results as an efficacious option for all genotypes in chronic HCV treatment and may ultimately represent a potential HCV PEP agent.

SUMMARY

Insufficient supporting data exist to endorse the use of DAAs for PEP after HCV occupational exposures; additional studies examining efficacy, duration, and cost-effectiveness are needed. Development of more oral drugs possessing a high barrier of resistance and equal activity against all HCV genotypes is anticipated.

Back to Basics: Sharps Safety

Perioperative team members who handle sharp devices or equipment are at risk for sharps injuries. Because sharps injuries can expose individuals to potentially infectious diseases, safety practices should be followed at all times. Health care workers and patients are at risk when a sharps injury occurs, so protocols, including work practice and engineering controls, should be in place at every facility. This article provides guidance on the steps that can be followed to minimize risk of a sharps injury.

"Hep C, where art thou": What are the remaining (fundable) questions in hepatitis C virus research?

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has dominated the field of hepatology for the past 25 years, and its cure in the majority of treated patients is one of the greatest achievements in all of medicine. However, the latter has led to the belief by some that HCV research should be shelved for other, more pressing areas. The mission for HCV eradication is far from accomplished. As a historical reference, we should consider that disease elimination has required vaccination with all previously controlled infections including smallpox and polio and that simple, effective treatment is not sufficient in most infections to lead to substantial control. Syphilis is the best example, for which a single dose of penicillin (which literally costs pennies and that we have had since 1945) is curative in early stages. Not only have we not eradicated syphilis, rates of infection have increased in many places within the United States in recent years. Most HCV-infected subjects are unaware of their infection, remaining at risk for transmission to others and disease progression, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In the era of highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), many questions pertaining to HCV remain, but they are more complex and difficult to answer. Here, I provide my perspective on some of these salient issues: the residual risk for disease progression after sustained virologic response, the optimal approach to current DAA failures, the impact of targeting people who inject drugs with DAAs, vaccine prospects, and application of neutralizing HCV glycoprotein antibodies. (Hepatology 2017;65:341-349).

Sharps and Needlestick Injuries Among Medical Students, Surgical Residents, Faculty, and Operating Room Staff at a Single Academic Institution

BACKGROUND

The hospital is a place of high risk for sharps and needlestick injuries (SNI) and such injuries are historically underreported.

METHODS

This institutional review board approved study compares the incidence of SNI among all surgical personnel at a single academic institution via an anonymous electronic survey distributed to medical students, surgical residents, general surgery attendings, surgical technicians, and operating room nurses.

RESULTS

The overall survey response rate was 37% (195/528). Among all respondents, 55% (107/195) had a history of a SNI in the workplace. The overall report rate following an initial SNI was 64%. Surgical staff reported SNIs more frequently, with an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 1.33 (p = 0.085) when compared with attendings. When compared with surgical attendings, medical students (IRR of 2.86, p = 0.008) and residents (IRR of 2.21, p = 0.04) were more likely to cite fear as a reason for not reporting SNIs. Approximately 65% of respondents did not report their exposure either because of the time consuming process or the patient involved was perceived to be low-risk or both.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2 most common reasons for not reporting SNIs at our institution are because of the inability to complete the time consuming reporting process and fear of embarrassment or punitive response because of admitting an injury. Further research is necessary to mitigate these factors.

Hepatitis C Virus Postexposure Prophylaxis in the Healthcare Worker: Why Direct-Acting Antivirals Don't Change a Thing

Currently, 380 000-400 000 occupational exposures to blood-borne pathogens occur annually in the United States. The management for occupational HIV or hepatitis B virus exposures includes postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) when necessary; however, PEP is not recommended for hepatitis C virus (HCV) exposures. Recent approval of HCV direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has renewed discussions as to whether these therapies could be used to prevent infection after exposure. There are no published studies addressing this question, but the prescribing of DAAs for PEP has been reported. We will discuss the differences in transmission of the 3 most common blood-borne pathogens, the natural history of early HCV infection, and the scientific rationale for PEP. In particular, we will discuss how the low feasibility of conducting an adequately powered clinical trial of DAA use for PEP and the low cost-effectiveness of such an intervention is not supportive of targeting limited resources for such use.

Occupational Health Update: Focus on Preventing the Acquisition of Infections with Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Postexposure Prophylaxis

Health care personnel are commonly exposed to infectious agents via sharp injuries (eg, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus), direct patient care (eg, pertussis and meningococcus), and the contaminated environment (eg, Clostridium difficile). An effective occupational program is a key aspect of preventing acquisition of an infection by offering the following: (1) education of health care personnel regarding proper handling of sharps, early identification and isolation of potentially infectious patients, and hand hygiene; (2) assuring immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases; and, (3) immediate availability of a medical evaluation after a nonprotected exposure to an infectious disease.

The prevalence of hepatitis C among healthcare workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of viral hepatitis C (HCV) infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) compared to the general population. A systematic search for the years 1989–2014 was conducted in the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases. Studies on hepatitis C in HCWs were included if they incorporated either a control group or reference data for the general population. The study quality was classified as high, moderate or low. Pooled effect estimates were calculated to determine the odds of occupational infection. Heterogeneity between studies was analysed using the χ² test (p<0.10) and quantified using the I² test. 57 studies met our criteria for inclusion and 44 were included in the meta-analysis. Analysis of high and moderate quality studies showed a significantly increased OR for HCV infection in HCWs relative to control populations, with a value of 1.6 (95% CI 1.03 to 2.42). Stratification by study region gave an OR of 2.1 in low prevalence countries; while stratification by occupational groups gave an increased prevalence for medical (OR 2.2) and for laboratory staff (OR 2.2). The OR for professionals at high risk of blood contact was 2.7. The pooled analysis indicates that the prevalence of infection is significantly higher in HCWs than in the general population. The highest prevalence was observed among medical and laboratory staff. Prospective studies that focus on HCW-specific activity and personal risk factors for HCV infection are needed.

Manual accidents, biological risk control, and quality indicators at a children's hospital in north-east Italy

Background

Working in health care carries the risk of transmission of infected blood to patients by hospital workers and to other health personnel in the form of occupational infections. Conscientious application of the standard precautions is the main method used to avoid needle stick injuries, contamination of skin and mucous membranes, cuts with sharp tools, and inadequate disposal and recapping of needles. The aim of this work was to investigate in Friuli Venezia Giulia, a region in north-east Italy, the enhancement carried out to prevent situations of biologic risk for health care workers, and to verify the related laboratory analyses.

Methods

Biological accidents occurring during the years 2012–2013 in the departments of oncology and pediatric-obstetric surgery, and in the intensive care unit at Burlo Garofolo Children’s Hospital in Trieste (a large town in Friuli Venezia Giulia) were reviewed, and a new panel of tests was introduced for patients and health care workers, to also detect human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and aspartate transaminase and immunoglobulin G. All tests were submitted for external quality assessment.

Results

In total, 230 nosocomial events were reported by health care workers in the above-mentioned hospital departments in 2012–2013. There were 158 accidents in 2012, including 55 accidental needle stick injuries (34.81%), 59 blood splashes (37.34%), and 44 cuts with infected instruments (27.84%). The risk of sustaining a cut was related to movement error during surgery when the appropriate procedure was not followed or when devices were being assembled and passed between doctors and nurses. Most accidents happened among physicians compared to nurses; the high percentage of needle stick injuries (34.81%) versus nurses (25.94%) were due to incorrect recapping of needles after use. No cases of health care workers being infected with HCV, HBV, or HIV were identified. In 2013, the number of biological accidents decreased to 61, comprising two needle stick injuries (3.27%), 35 blood splashes (57.37%), and 25 cuts with contaminated instruments (40.98%). The number of subcutaneous abscesses with scarring resulting from cuts with sharp instruments decreased from three in 2012 (one of which was the subject of medicolegal proceedings) to none in 2013. Although our study population was relatively small, we did detect a statistically significant decrease in the number of needle stick injuries (P<0.05, χ² test).

Conclusion

In this early experience at a maternal and child health institution in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, application of a safety protocol, centralized organization of HIV tests, improved external quality assessment, and introduction of internal quality control for immunoglobulin G contributed to a decrease in the number of work-related biological accidents and their complications, which have the potential to result in medicolegal problems.

Procedures after exposure to biological material in a specialized cancer hospital

Occupational accidents involving biological material are a concern for healthcare facilities due to the severe harm they may cause to healthcare workers. This cross-sectional study's aim was to identify the behavior reported by nursing professionals in response to biological material exposure in a cancer hospital located in São Paulo, Brazil. The population was composed of 441 professionals. The hospital's Institutional Review Board approved the project. Of the 441 interviewed subjects, 82 (18.6%) reported exposure in the last twelve months. Note that 47 (57.3%) workers officially reported the accident and sought specialized clinical care. The most frequently reported reason by those (72.1%) who did not follow the protocol was considering it unnecessary. Strategies intended to improve adherence of healthcare workers to the recommended protocol may improve occupational safety.

Healthcare worker adherence to follow-up after occupational exposure to blood and body fluids at a teaching hospital in Brazil

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at a high risk for exposure to pathogens in the workplace. The objective of this study was to evaluate HCW adherence to follow-up after occupational exposure to blood and body fluids at a tertiary care university hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. Data were collected from 2102 occupational exposures to blood and body fluids reports, obtained from the Infection Control Division of the Universidade Federal de São Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina/Hospital São Paulo, in São Paulo, Brazil, occurring between January of 2005 and December of 2011. To evaluate adherence to post-exposure follow-up among the affected HCWs, we took into consideration follow-up visits for serological testing. For HCWs exposed to materials from source patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), or hepatitis C virus (HCV), as well as from source patients of unknown serological status, follow-up serological testing was scheduled for 3 and 6 months after the accident. For those exposed to materials from source patients co-infected with HIV and HCV, follow-up evaluations were scheduled for 3, 6, and 12 months after the accident. During the study period, there were 2056 accidental exposures for which data regarding the serology of the source patient were available. Follow-up evaluation of the affected HCW was recommended in 612 (29.8%) of those incidents. After the implementation of a post-exposure protocol involving telephone calls and official letters mailed to the affected HCW, adherence to follow-up increased significantly, from 30.5 to 54.0% (P = 0.028). Adherence was correlated positively with being female (P = 0.009), with the source of the exposure being known (P = 0.026), with the source patient being HIV positive (P = 0.029), and with the HCW having no history of such accidents (P = 0.047). Adherence to the recommended serological testing was better at the evaluation scheduled for 3 months after the exposure (the initial evaluation) than at those scheduled for 6 and 12 months after the exposure (P = 0.004). During the study period, there was one confirmed case of HCW seroconversion to HCV positivity. The establishment of a protocol that involves the immediate supervisor of the affected HCWs, in the formal summoning of those HCWs is necessary in order to increase the rate of adherence to post-exposure follow-up.

Hepatitis C Virus Transmission in Hemodialysis Units Importance of Infection Control Practices and Aseptic Technique

We investigated 4 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection outbreaks at hemodialysis units to identify practices associated with transmission. Apparent failures to follow recommended infection control precautions resulted in patient-to-patient HCV transmission, through cross-contamination of the environment or intravenous medication vials. Fastidious attention to aseptic technique and infection control precautions are essential to prevent HCV transmission.

Surveillance for Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C is a global public health problem. Globally, an estimated 170 million persons (3 % of the world’s population) have been infected with the hepatitis C virus, and an estimated 350,000 persons die annually from complications of chronic hepatitis C. Furthermore, an increasing trend in hepatitis C mortality in the USA was observed over the last decade; in 2007, mortality associated with hepatitis C surpassed mortality associated with HIV. As the hepatitis C epidemic continues, it is increasingly important to accurately measure hepatitis C-related morbidity and mortality in order to inform public health programs and policies and prioritize and evaluate prevention efforts. This chapter provides an overview of hepatitis C surveillance and methods used in the USA with some examples from other countries.

Cleaning and sterilisation of anaesthetic equipment

The main purpose of this review article is to bring up what has been known (practiced) about decontamination, disinfection, and sterilisation of anaesthetic equipment. It also discusses how this evidence-based information on infection prevention and control impacts care of patient in routine anaesthesia practice. This review underscores the role played by us, anaesthetists in formulating guidelines, implementing the same, monitoring the outcome and training post-graduate trainees and coworkers in this regard. The article re-emphasises that certain guidelines when followed strictly will go a long way in reducing transmission of hospital acquired infection between patient and anaesthetist or between patients. Anaesthetists do not restrict their work to operating room but are involved in disaster management, interventional radiological procedures and in trauma care. They should ensure that the patients are cared for in clean and safe environment so as to reduce healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) simultaneously taking preventive measures against the various health hazards associated with clinical practice. They should ensure that the coworkers too adopt all the preventive measures while delivering their duties. For this review, we conducted literature searches in Medline (PubMed) and also searched for relevant abstracts and full texts of related articles that we came across. There is much to be learned from the western world where, health care organisations now have legal responsibility to implement changes in accordance with the newer technology to reduce health care associated infection. There is a need to develop evidence-based infection prevention and control programs and set national guidelines for disinfection and sterilisation of anaesthesia equipment which all the institutions should comply with.

New tools in HCV diagnosis, in light of the enhanced awareness and the new drugs for treatment: SMARTube and stimmunology

With improved HCV therapy, challenges regarding HCV diagnosis, such as seronegative window period, false positive readings, and differentiation between recent, chronic, and resolved infections, are of increasing importance. To address these challenges an innovative device—SMARTube HIV & HCV—was used. Blood samples were tested for anti-HCV antibodies before and after incubation in the SMARTube, which promotes the in vitro stimulation of in vivo HCV primed lymphocytes, thus enhancing levels of anti-HCV antibodies. Comparing antibody levels, in concordant samples before and after SMARTube, yielded the Stimulation Index (SI). Among 5888 fresh blood samples, from various populations and regions worldwide, 641 were seropositive using plasma, while SMARTube processing (yielding enriched plasma, termed SMARTplasma) enabled diagnosis of 10 additional carriers in high-risk cohorts, that is, earlier detection. Using SMARTplasma eliminated all false positive results, using the current assays. In addition we show that SI calculation may serve as an important tool for differentiating between those who recently seroconverted, carriers of long-term infection, and those who have cleared the virus. SMARTube and the SI could lead to better, more informative diagnosis of HCV infections and play an important role in changing the way we treat both the infected individuals and the epidemic as a whole.

Occupational transmission of hepatitis C in healthcare workers and factors associated with seroconversion: UK surveillance data

The study aims were to describe a case series of occupationally acquired hepatitis C (HCV) infections in UK healthcare workers and examine factors associated with transmission using exposure data reported to the Health Protection Agency between July 1997 and December 2007. Fifteen reported cases of documented HCV seroconversion occurred after percutaneous exposure, the majority from hollow-bore needles used in the source patient's vein or artery and contaminated with blood or blood-stained fluid. The seroconversion rate was 2.2% (14/626). In multivariable analysis of healthcare workers with percutaneous exposure to blood or blood-stained fluid, we demonstrate that blood sampling procedures (odds ratio [OR], 5.75; 95% CI, 1.33-24.91; P = 0.01) and depth of injury (OR for deep vs superficial injury, 21.99; 95% CI, 2.02-239.61; P = 0.02) are independently associated with a greater risk of HCV seroconversion. This is the first UK study of occupationally acquired HCV in healthcare workers. It has reinforced our knowledge of risk factors for HCV transmission. Most of these exposures and transmissions were preventable. Healthcare employers should provide regular education on the risks of occupational exposure and prevention through standard infection control procedures. They should ensure the availability of effective prevention measures and facilitate prompt reporting and adequate follow-up of exposures.

Phylogenetic investigation of nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus in an oncology ward

Nosocomial hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections have been reported from different health-care settings worldwide. Twenty patients, treated at the same oncology department, with no previous record of hepatitis C infection, tested positive for anti-HCV antibodies between November 2007 and June 2008. Twelve of the newly infected patients were found to be HCV RNA positive. The common origin of the infections was assumed. To investigate the relatedness of the detected viral strains phylogenetic analyses were performed using sequences from the NS5B and E1/E2 genome regions. A patient carrying HCV for years was also involved in the study. She was treated at the same oncology department and was considered a possible infectious source. The previous HCV carrier harbored subtype 1b, while all other patients were infected with subtype 1a. Sequences from the 12 newly infected patients formed two groups. The viral sequences within the groups were very closely related. A greater evolutionary distance was observed between the two groups; however, their relatedness could be demonstrated by sequences from both regions with high statistical support. The results indicated that nosocomial transmission occurred. The phylogenetic analyses suggested that the viruses originated from a common source, possibly a patient carrying highly divergent variants. This presumed infectious source could not be identified in the course of this study. The genotype distribution of Hungarian control sequences included in the analysis confirmed this conclusion, since HCV genotype 1a was found to be relatively uncommon.

Clarification of interspousal hepatitis C virus infection in acute hepatitis C patients by molecular evolutionary analyses: Consideration on sexual and non-sexual transmission between spouses

AIM

  Previous studies evaluating the possibilities of interspousal sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) have yielded many conflicting results. The aim of this study was to clarify the source of HCV infection in acute hepatitis C patients using phylogenetic analyses of nucleotide sequences of HCV E1 region.

METHODS

  Four acute hepatitis C patients were hospitalized in 2002-2007. The diagnosis was based on medical records, laboratory tests including HCV markers, and ultrasonographic examination of the liver. In each spouse of four patients, serum HCV antibody was assayed. In the subjects whose serum HCV antibody was positive, additional tests on HCV viral load and genotype were carried out. Then phylogenetic analyses of nucleotide sequences of partial HCV E1 region (440 nucleotides) of the patients and their spouses were performed.

RESULTS

  Hepatitis C virus antibody changed from negative to positive in the course of hospitalization and HCV RNA could be detected in every patient. Therefore they were diagnosed as acute hepatitis caused by HCV infection. In every spouse of four patients, HCV antibody and HCV RNA were positive. Three of four couples had the identical genotype and homogeneity of nucleotide sequences of HCV E1 region in three couples ranged from 97.9% to 100%. The results of phylogenic analyses suggested that interspousal HCV infection occurred in the three couples.

CONCLUSION

  In conclusion, interspousal infection might be one of the important sources of acute HCV infection in Japan. The usefulness of phylogenetic analysis of nucleotide sequences of HCV E1 region for clarifying interspousal HCV infection was validated.

Hospital epidemiology and infection control in acute-care settings

Health care-associated infections (HAIs) have become more common as medical care has grown more complex and patients have become more complicated. HAIs are associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and cost. Growing rates of HAIs alongside evidence suggesting that active surveillance and infection control practices can prevent HAIs led to the development of hospital epidemiology and infection control programs. The role for infection control programs has grown and continues to grow as rates of antimicrobial resistance rise and HAIs lead to increasing risks to patients and expanding health care costs. In this review, we summarize the history of the development of hospital epidemiology and infection control, common HAIs and the pathogens causing them, and the structure and role of a hospital epidemiology and infection control program.

SHEA guideline for management of healthcare workers who are infected with hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, and/or human immunodeficiency virus

This guideline provides the updated recommendations of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) regarding the management of healthcare providers who are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and/or the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). For the reasons cited in the guideline, SHEA continues to recommend that, although some aspects of the approach to and administrative management of each of these infectious syndromes in healthcare providers are similar, separate management strategies for healthcare workers who are infected with these unrelated viruses remain appropriate. As we did in both prior iterations of this document, SHEA emphasizes the use of appropriate infection control procedures to minimize exposure of patients or providers to blood, emphasizes that transfers of blood from patients to providers and from providers to patients should be avoided, and recommends that infected healthcare providers should not be totally prohibited from participating in patient-care activities solely on the basis of a bloodborne pathogen infection. The types of procedures assessed by the panel as associated with an increased risk for provider-to-patient transmission of these pathogens are discussed in detail. For each pathogen, recommendations are graduated according to the relative viral load level of the infected provider (Tables 1 and 2). However, SHEA emphasizes that, because of the complexity of these cases, each such case will be slightly different from the next, and each should be independently considered in context.

Infection control guidelines for prevention of health care-associated transmission of hepatitis B and C viruses

Viral hepatitis was first identified as an occupational hazard for health care workers more than 60 years ago. For the past few decades, hepatitis B has been one of the most significant occupational infectious risks for health care providers. With the increasing prevalence of hepatitis C infections around the world, occupational transmission of this flavivirus from infected patients to their providers has also become a significant concern. Several factors influence the risk for occupational blood-borne hepatitis infection among health care providers, among them: the prevalence of infection among the population served, the infection status of the patients to whom workers are exposed (ie, the source patient's circulating viral burden), the types and frequencies of parenteral and mucosal exposures to blood and blood-containing body fluids, and whether the patient or provider has been immunized with the hepatitis B vaccine. This article reviews patient-to-provider, patient-to-patient, and provider-to-patient transmission of hepatitis B and C in the health care setting. Current prevention strategies, precautions, and guidelines are discussed.

Occupational exposure of health care personnel to hepatitis B and hepatitis C: prevention and surveillance strategies

Ensuring the safety of personnel working in health care environments can be challenging and requires a multifaceted approach to target reductions in occupational exposures to blood-borne pathogens, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C. This article reviews the epidemiology of occupational exposures to hepatitis B and hepatitis C in health care personnel in hospital settings. The nature and likelihood of risk to health care personnel are evaluated along with estimates of seroconversion risk. The review focuses on prevention programs and available surveillance programs to aid in monitoring and reducing occupational exposures to blood-borne pathogens.

Health care-associated hepatitis B and C viruses: legal aspects

The risk of hepatitis B and C transmission in health care settings has generated considerable attention within the legal system. This article begins with an overview of the relevant sources of law and then explores legal duties and liability arising from two major categories of risk: occupational risks to health care providers and health care-associated risks to patients and other third parties.

Factors associated with seroprevalence of hepatitis C among dentists at a large Brazilian city

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence and sociodemographic data, health-related and occupational factors and other correlates of sero-posivity among dentists in the city of Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 1302 dentists in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. All dentists were tested for anti-HCV using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Individuals positive for anti-HCV were recalled for further evaluation. The presence of HCV RNA in anti-HCV-positive samples was assessed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Data on demographic, behavioural and occupational exposure aspects were collected through questionnaires.

RESULTS

The seroprevalence of anti-HCV was 0.9% (95% IC 0.5-1.7%). The factors associated to the prevalence of hepatitis C were history of blood transfusion (p = 0.002) and having undergone a test for hepatitis C (p = 0.015).

CONCLUSIONS

The seroprevalence of anti-HCV among dentists is low. Moreover, no occupational exposure was associated to the seroprevalence of hepatitis C.

Mathematical modeling of hepatitis C virus transmission in hemodialysis

BACKGROUND

A deterministic mathematical model is developed to explain nontransfusion nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) from patient to patient during hemodialysis sessions.

METHODS

The model requires 4 sequential steps for cross-transmission: (1) The dialysis session contains at least 1 patient infected with HCV; (2) a hemodialysis staff member connects an uninfected patient to dialysis after having connected an infected patient; (3) the hemodialysis staff member does not change gloves between an infected patient and an uninfected patient; and (4) the uninfected patient is contaminated after exposure to the blood of an infected patient.

RESULTS

We tested the model by comparing observed incidences of HCV infection from epidemiologic studies with calculated incidences. Calculated incidences are closed to observed incidences. We assessed the impact of prevalence of HCV infection, no glove change between patients, and nurse:patient ratio on the incidence of HCV infection. We found linear relationships between incidence and prevalence and between incidence and no glove change, and an increasing logarithmic relationship between incidence and nurse:patient ratio.

CONCLUSION

Our model should be able to estimate the likely incidence of infection in hemodialysis centers. Compliance with recommended hand hygiene and glove use practices, especially glove changes between patients, is essential to prevent HCV infection in hemodialysis centers, particularly those with high HCV prevalence. Mathematical modeling can used as a tool for control.

Transmission of hepatitis C virus in an orthopedic hospital ward

Healthcare-associated infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV) hitherto have been observed mainly in hemodialysis settings as well as in hematology and oncology wards. In this communication, molecular and epidemiologic investigations to elucidate an HCV outbreak in an orthopedic ward are reported. One hundred and thirty-five patients hospitalized in the ward and 104 staff members were tested. In addition to extensive epidemiologic reviews and hygienic inspections, direct sequencing of HCV PCR fragments and phylogenetic analysis of more than 300 partial HCV sequences obtained by end-point limiting-dilution real-time PCR assay were carried out. Six patients were infected with very closely related HCV variants. Patient-to-patient spread of the virus was inferred to have started from one patient with previous HCV infection to the other five patients during their hospital stay. Inspections did not reveal substantial breaches in basic infection control practices and did not identify a specific activity that might have led to nosocomial transmission. As a result of the investigations, the hospital corrected the documentation of all medical and nursing activities undertaken in the ward, abandoned the use of all multidose saline and other medication vials, and included explicitly recommendations for the safe preparation and administration of injectable drugs into internal infection control guidelines. Thereafter, no further nosocomial transmissions of HCV have been recorded in the orthopedic ward. The events observed suggest that nosocomial transmission of HCV is not limited to hemodialysis, hematology or oncology settings, and they also reinforce the mandatory adherence to basic infection control practices.

The prevalence of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infections in non-IV drug opioid poisoned patients in Tehran-Iran

The present study intends to look into the prevalence of these infections in the non-IVdrug abusing addicts whom were treated at our center. A pilot study was conducted on 20 patients who were admitted in poisoning center of Loghman-Hakim Hospital in Tehran due to non-IV drug overdose. One positive HIV antibody and one positive HBS antigen cases were found in this group. The pilot study was later expanded to a descriptive cross-sectional study on 214 patients. In this study 196 patients (91.6%) were male and 18 (8.4%) were female. The average age of subjects was 37.9, having the highest frequency between 20 to 30-years-old. The study showed that 14.48% (F = 31) had positive HCV antibody and 1.86% (F = 4) had positive HBS antigen and 1.4% (F = 3) had positive HIV antibody in their blood serum. One hundred and forty three patients (66.8%), were poisoned through oral opium consumption, 24 patients (11.2%) through inhalation and 18 (8.4%) both oral and inhalation. The remain; were IV-abuser or the manner of poisoning was unknown. This study signifies the need for heightened attention and preventive measures against the infection of the health care professionals by hepatitis C (HCV) virus.

Physicians' and nurses' views on infected health care workers

This study investigated 204 doctors' and nurses' perceived knowledge of bloodborne pathogens and their attitudes towards bloodborne pathogen-infected health care workers. A structured questionnaire examined: (1) their perceived knowledge of bloodborne pathogens; (2) their attitudes towards bloodborne pathogen-infected personnel; and (3) their opinions on limitation of employment of bloodborne pathogen-infected personnel and restrictions on performing clinical procedures. The levels of HIV-related knowledge were significantly higher than for hepatitis C and B viruses. Although the participants demonstrated more positive attitudes towards hepatitis C- and B-infected health care workers, 64% recommended restricting infected personnel from performing invasive procedures. Attitudes were negatively correlated with opinions on restricting infected personnel from health care work or limiting their involvement in clinical activities. This study highlights the need to formulate a policy to cope with the professional and moral dilemmas related to infected health care workers employed in hospitals, especially for those involved in invasive procedures.

Deaths due to bloodborne infections and their sequelae among health-care workers

BACKGROUND

The odds of dying from bloodborne infections among health-care workers has not been well studied.

METHODS

Using data from the National Occupational Mortality Surveillance (NOMS) system, a matched case-control design was employed to examine the relationship between health-care employment and death from HIV, hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV; non-A/non-B viral hepatitis), liver cancer, and cirrhosis from 1984 to 2004. We examined the whole health-care industry and specific health-care occupations.

RESULTS

From 1984 to 2004, NOMS captured 248,550 deaths from bloodborne pathogens and their sequelae. Employment in the health-care industry was associated with increased risk of death from HIV (MOR = 2.27; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.11-2.44), HBV (MOR = 1.98; CI = 1.58-2.48), and cirrhosis (MOR = 1.09; CI = 1.04-1.15) among males, and death from HCV among both males (MOR = 1.46; CI = 1.22-1.75) and females (MOR = 1.22; CI = 1.05-1.40). Nursing was the occupation with the highest MORs among males for HIV and HBV, but female nurses were at decreased risk of dying from HIV (MOR = 0.69; CI = 0.57-0.83).

CONCLUSIONS

Employment in the health-care industry was found to be associated with deaths from several bloodborne pathogens and their sequelae among males, but only with HCV among females from 1984 to 2004 in this exploratory study.

Efficacy and safety of pegylated-interferon α-2a in hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegylated-interferon alpha-2a in hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C.

METHODS: Thirty-six hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C were enrolled in a controlled and prospective study. All patients were treatment naive, positive tested for anti-HCV antibodies, and positive tested for serum HCV-RNA. Twenty-two patients received 135 &mgr;g peglyated-interferon α-2a weekly for 48 wk (group A). The remaining patients were left untreated, eleven refused therapy, and three were not candidates for kidney transplantation and were allocated to the control group (group B). At the end of the treatment biochemical and virological response was evaluated, and 24 wk after completion of therapy sustained virological response (SVR) was assessed. Side effects were monitored.

RESULTS: Of 22 hemodialysis patients, 12 were male and 10 female, with a mean age of 35.2 ± 12.1 years. Virological end-of-treatment response was observed in 14 patients (82.4%) in group A and in one patient (7.1%) in group B (P = 0.001). Sustained virological response was observed in 11 patients (64.7%) in group A and in one patient in group B (7.1%). Biochemical response parameters normalized in 10/14 patients (71.4%) at the end of the treatment. ALT levels in group B were initially high in six patients and normalized in one of them (25%) at the end of the 48 wk. In five patients (22.7%) therapy had to be stopped at mo 4 due to complications of weakness, anemia, and bleeding.

CONCLUSION: SVR could be achieved in 64.7% of patients on hemodialysis with chronic hepatitis C by a treatment with peglyated-interferon α-2a. Group A had a significantly better efficacy compared to the control group B, but the side effects need to be concerned.

[Hepatitis C in health care professionals: prevalence and association with risk factors]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis C virus infection among health care professionals.

METHODS

The study was carried out at a university hospital in the municipality of São José do Rio Preto, Southeastern Brazil, between January 1994 and December 1999. There were included 1,433 health care professionals, 872 administrative workers, and 2,583 blood donor candidates. Data were collected during admission examinations, periodic screenings, and after occupational accidents. Occupational and non-occupational information was obtained by means of a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Prevalence of hepatitis C infection among health care professionals (1.7%) was significantly higher than among administrative workers (0.5%; p=0.007) and blood donor candidates (0.2%; p=0.001). Regarding occupational factors, time in the job was significantly longer (p=0.016) among health care professionals with positive serology than among those with negative serology. Multiple regression analysis showed a 50% increase in risk for every five years of age. There was a significant association between blood transfusion and positive serology among health care workers.

CONCLUSIONS

Health care professionals show greater prevalence of hepatitis C than administrative workers and blood donation candidates. Among those with positive serology, occupational and non-occupational factors of greatest risk were age, time in the job, and blood transfusion.

Hepatitis C Virus Infection: Sexual or Non-Sexual Transmission Between Spouses? A Case Report and Review of the Literature

The most efficient route of transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is through contaminated blood. Sexual transmission or other close human contact could play a role in sporadic infections. We describe a case of acute hepatitis C progressing to chronic hepatitis over a follow-up of 4 years in a 44-year-old woman having a long-standing monogamous relationship with an HCV infected partner. The infection followed the accidental exposure to her husband's contaminated blood containing a high viral load. The case reported here is the first characterized by a documented direct percutaneous HCV transmission outside the healthcare setting, and suggests that sexual exposure to HCV should be considered only after an accurate exclusion of other routes of intrafamilial spread of the infection. Such conclusion is based on a thorough and updated review of the literature concerning both sexual and household transmission of HCV.