BACKGROUND: To determine the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroconversion, health care workers reporting an occupational exposure with blood or other risk-prone body materials from a patient known to be seropositive for HCV antibody were enrolled. METHODS: HCV seroconversion within 6 months of a reported exposure was assessed by second-generation enzyme immunoassay and immunoblot assay. RESULTS: From January 1992 through December 1993, 331 (51%) hollow-bore needlesticks, 105 (16.5%) suture needle or sharp object injuries, 85 (13%) mucous membrane contaminations, and 125 (19.5%) skin contaminations were reported. Four HCV seroconversions were observed after hollow-bore needlesticks (1.2%; 95% CI 0.3% to 3.0%); no seroconversions occurred after other routes of exposure. Blood-filled needlesticks and source patient coinfection with HIV appeared to be associated with a higher risk of seroconversion. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of HCV seroconversion after occupational exposure appears to be low but is not negligible. Aggressive implementation of universal precautions is important for preventing risk-prone exposure, but safer devices are also needed.
BACKGROUND: To determine the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroconversion, health care workers reporting an occupational exposure with blood or other risk-prone body materials from a patient known to be seropositive for HCV antibody were enrolled. METHODS:HCV seroconversion within 6 months of a reported exposure was assessed by second-generation enzyme immunoassay and immunoblot assay. RESULTS: From January 1992 through December 1993, 331 (51%) hollow-bore needlesticks, 105 (16.5%) suture needle or sharp object injuries, 85 (13%) mucous membrane contaminations, and 125 (19.5%) skin contaminations were reported. Four HCV seroconversions were observed after hollow-bore needlesticks (1.2%; 95% CI 0.3% to 3.0%); no seroconversions occurred after other routes of exposure. Blood-filled needlesticks and source patient coinfection with HIV appeared to be associated with a higher risk of seroconversion. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of HCV seroconversion after occupational exposure appears to be low but is not negligible. Aggressive implementation of universal precautions is important for preventing risk-prone exposure, but safer devices are also needed.
Authors: Josep Quer; Juan Ignacio Esteban; Joan Cos; Sílvia Sauleda; Laura Ocaña; María Martell; Teresa Otero; Maria Cubero; Eduard Palou; Pedro Murillo; Rafael Esteban; Jaume Guàrdia Journal: J Virol Date: 2005-12 Impact factor: 5.103
Authors: T C Porco; T J Aragón; S E Fernyak; S H Cody; D J Vugia; M H Katz; D R Bangsberg Journal: Am J Public Health Date: 2001-04 Impact factor: 9.308
Authors: V R Hentz; M Stephanides; A Boraldi; R Tessari; R Isani; R Cadossi; R Biscione; L Massari; G C Traina Journal: World J Surg Date: 2001-09 Impact factor: 3.352