title: Transmission of hepatitis B virus (genotype E) in a haemodialysis unit.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The Rosenheim report, published in 1972, was aimed at decreasing the transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in the renal unit. A review in 1996, revealed the non-compliance of some centres with the guidance to vaccinate individuals against HBV.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe two events of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection within 9 weeks in individuals attending the renal unit and the steps taken to prevent further transmission.
  
  
  METHODS
  Serological and molecular testing was carried out on the two individuals with acute HBV and other HBV carriers in the unit. Epidemiological information was collected along with information on HBV vaccination and HBsAg screening.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were 15 known HBV carriers in the unit. HBV genotype E was transmitted from a carrier to patient 1 when they were in the same ward. Transmission to patient 2 occurred when he followed patient 1 on the theatre list. Breaks in infection control were identified and steps were taken to prevent further transmission events.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Breaks in infection control procedures were rectified. No further transmission of HBV was identified. This highlights the need for vigilance regarding infection control practices in the renal unit setting.
authors.affiliation: South London Specialist Virology Centre, Health Protection Agency London, Kings College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.
authors.forename: Sandeep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ramalingam
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Leung
authors.forename: Hugh
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cairns
authors.forename: Paula
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sibley
authors.forename: Melvyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Samreen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ijaz
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Tedder
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zuckerman
mesh_terms: D000208:Acute Disease; D002353:Carrier State / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006436:Hemodialysis Units, Hospital; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D010802:Phylogeny; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology