Transmission of hepatitis B virus (genotype E) in a haemodialysis unit.
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.
Ramalingam
Sandeep
S
South London Specialist Virology Centre, Health Protection Agency London, Kings College Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK.
Leung
Teresa
T
Cairns
Hugh
H
Sibley
Paula
P
Smith
Melvyn
M
Ijaz
Samreen
S
Tedder
Richard
R
Zuckerman
Mark
M
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