Hepatitis C virus outbreak in a haemodialysis unit: learning from failures. Issue 3 (November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Senatore, S.; Galli, C.; Conti, A.; Faccini, M.; Cantoni, S.; Ciconali, G.; Mainardi, G.; Lamberti, A.; Dighera, R.; Radice Trolli, F.; Oggioni, C.; Angelini Sironi, L.; Cozzolino, M.; Zanetti, A.R.; Romanò, L.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospital infection. Volume 94:Issue 3(2016)
• Page Start: 249
• Page End: 252
• Publication Date: 2016-11
• Subjects: Hepatitis C virus -- Hepatitis C -- Haemodialysis -- Outbreak; Cross infection -- Periodicals; Cross infection -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Infection Control -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2016.07.021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6701

Abstract

Summary: The investigation of an outbreak of hepatitis C virus in an Italian haemodialysis (HD) centre showed that three patients acquired infection with the same strain, affecting a chronically hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patient receiving HD in the same room and during the same shifts. Through our observational analysis many possible modes of transmission were identified, but none could be definitively identified as the route of HCV spread in this small cluster. This outbreak confirms that repeated opportunities for nosocomial HCV transmission may occur among HD patients due to several breaches in the standard precautions for bloodborne infections by healthcare staff.