Lack of transmission of hepatitis C virus following needlestick accidents.
Healthcare workers (HCWs) have an occupational risk of infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, data regarding the magnitude of this risk are limited. We conducted a prospective study on a cohort of 24 HCWs who were exposed to HCV by needlestick injuries involving 25 patients. All source patients were viremic with a mean HCV-RNA level of 1.65 megagenomic equivalents per milliliter. At least 64% of patients were infected with HCV serotype 4 (Simmond's classification). After a follow up period of at least 6 months, none of the exposed HCWs acquired HCV. Thus, HCV does not seem to be easily transmitted by needlestick injuries. However, further large-scale studies are needed for a more accurate estimation of the risk of transmission.
Hasan
F
F
Thunayan Al-Ghanim Gastroenterology and Hepatology Center, and Amiri Hospital, Kuwait.
Askar
H
H
Al Khalidi
J
J
Al Shamali
M
M
Al Kalaoui
M
M
Al Nakib
B
B
D000062:Accidents, Occupational; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional; D007730:Kuwait; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors