Known and probable risk factors for hepatitis C infection: a case series in north-eastern Poland.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the risk profile of patients in hospital with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Poland.


METHODS
Using a structured questionnaire, all patients with confirmed HCV infection were interviewed about the risk factors.


RESULTS
Among the 250 patients studied, transfusion before 1993 was the primary risk factor in 26%, intravenous drug use setting in 9% and occupational exposure in health-care in 9%. Women were more likely to have a history of occupational exposure or transfusion before 1993 and less likely to undergo minor surgery. Known nosocomial risk factors (transfusion before 1993, dialysis) were responsible for 27% of infections, probable nosocomial factors (transfusions after 1992, minor surgery) for 14% and further 9% were occupationally acquired infections.


CONCLUSIONS
A careful history investigation can identify a known or probable risk factor for HCV acquisition in 59% of patients with HCV infection. Preventive activities in Poland should focus on infection control measures in health-care setting.
Chlabicz
Sławomir
S
Department of Family Medicine and Community Nursing, Mieszka I 4 B, 15-054 Białystok, Poland. schlabicz@poczta.onet.pl
Flisiak
Robert
R
Grzeszczuk
Anna
A
Kovalchuk
Oksana
O
Prokopowicz
Danuta
D
Chyczewski
Lech
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous / Q000150:complications