Hepatitis C virus transmission in hemodialysis units: importance of infection control practices and aseptic technique.
We investigated 4 hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection outbreaks at hemodialysis units to identify practices associated with transmission. Apparent failures to follow recommended infection control precautions resulted in patient-to-patient HCV transmission, through cross-contamination of the environment or intravenous medication vials. Fastidious attention to aseptic technique and infection control precautions are essential to prevent HCV transmission.
Thompson
Nicola D
ND
National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA. ndthompson@cdc.gov
Novak
Ryan T
RT
Datta
Deblina
D
Cotter
Susanne
S
Arduino
Matthew J
MJ
Patel
Priti R
PR
Williams
Ian T
IT
Bialek
Stephanie R
SR
D001207:Asepsis / Q000379:methods; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006436:Hemodialysis Units, Hospital; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000145:classification / Q000235:genetics; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000635:transmission* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D008396:Maryland; D009820:Ohio; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000295:instrumentation*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014768:Virginia; D014922:Wisconsin