Risk to cancer patients from nosocomial hepatitis C virus.
Nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among dialysis patients is a well-described phenomenon. In addition, spread of HCV in outpatient medical clinic settings has recently been reported. In the past decade, nosocomial spread of hepatitis C among hospitalized patients being treated for cancer has increasingly been reported. The cause or source of transmission is unknown. Infection control practitioners should be aware of this potential risk to oncology patients.
Sepkowitz
Kent A
KA
Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA.
D015897:Comorbidity; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005060:Europe / Q000453:epidemiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission; D006801:Humans; D016867:Immunocompromised Host; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016522:Oncology Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018570:Risk Assessment