Detection of hepatitis C virus markers and hepatitis C virus genomic-RNA after needlestick accidents.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Needlestick accidents are a problem among health care workers. Using sensitive new assays, we evaluated the prevalence and features of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection following a needlestick accident.

METHOD:

The clinical outcome and evolution of serum HCV markers were assessed in 90 hospital employees (recipients) who sustained needlestick injuries (selected from 146 episodes) involving 92 patients with clinical non-A, non-B hepatitis (donors).

RESULTS:

Of the 92 patient donors, 62 (67%) and 88 (96%) were anti-C100-3 and second-generation anti-HCV positive, respectively, at the time of the needlestick accident. During the follow-up period (> or = 6 months), acute non-A, non-B hepatitis developed in three of 90 recipients about 1 month after the accident. The three respective donors were positive for serum HCV-RNA at the time of the accident. Two of the three recipients became HCV-RNA positive just after the onset of hepatitis, and subsequently, HCV antibodies developed. None of the remaining 87 recipients had any clinical or laboratory evidence of hepatitis during follow-up, or experienced seroconversion for anti-C100-3 or second-generation anti-HCV. We measured additional HCV markers in 20 of the 89 donors; 16 had evidence of HCV infection (HCV-RNA). However, none of the respective recipients of any of these 20 became positive for HCV markers during follow-up.

CONCLUSION:

Although transmission of HCV infection by needlestick injury may be infrequent, such transmission does occur. Appropriate precautions should be taken to protect health care workers.

• Authors: T Sodeyama, K Kiyosawa, A Urushihara, A Matsumoto, E Tanaka, S Furuta, Y Akahane
• Journal: Archives of internal medicine (Arch Intern Med) Vol. 153 Issue 13 Pg. 1565-72 (Jul 12 1993) ISSN: 0003-9926 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7686741 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Biomarkers
• Hepatitis Antibodies
• Hepatitis C Antibodies
• RNA, Viral
• anti-C100-3

Topics

• Accidents, Occupational
• Adult
• Biomarkers (blood)
• Female
• Hepacivirus (genetics, immunology, isolation & purification)
• Hepatitis Antibodies (blood)
• Hepatitis C (transmission)
• Hepatitis C Antibodies
• Humans
• Male
• Needlestick Injuries (complications)
• Personnel, Hospital
• RNA, Viral (blood)