Risk of hepatitis C seroconversion after occupational exposures in health care workers

doi:10.1016/0196-6553(95)90056-X

American Journal of Infection Control

Volume 23, Issue 5, October 1995, Pages 273-277

https://doi.org/10.1016/0196-6553(95)90056-X Get rights and content

Abstract

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.

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^☆: Supported by the Ministry of Health, AIDS Project, Italy, grants 7201.023, 8201.19, and 9201.04.

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ArticleRisk of hepatitis C seroconversion after occupational exposures in health care workers☆

Abstract

AJIC Am J Infect Control

Lancet

Am J Infect Control

Lancet

J Hepatol

Ann Intern Med

Occupational risk for hepatitis C infection among New York City dentists

Lancet

Seroprevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus in high-risk hospital personnel

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol

Low risk of HCV infection in health care workers

Infection

Viral hepatitis in health care personnel at the Johns Hopkins Hospital

Arch Intern Med

Hepatitis C virus infection in healthcare workers: risk of exposure and infection

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol

Prevalence of hepatitis C antibodies in health-care workers: Italian Study Group on Blood-borne Occupational Risk in Dialysis

Lancet

Article
Risk of hepatitis C seroconversion after occupational exposures in health care workers☆