Risk of transmission and features of hepatitis C after needlestick injuries

The rate of transmission and management of needlestick injuries from hepati tis C virus (HCV) patients to healthcare workers is still, a matter of deba te. We used a stringent protocol using monthly transaminase levels and poly merase chain reaction for HCV RNA to monitor 53 healthcare workers prospect ively for up to 6 months following needle injuries from HCV-positive patien ts. Evidence of transmission of HCV was found in only 2 workers (4%) with m ild asymptomatic infection, one of which resolved spontaneously. Based on o ur experience, we now use a less-intensive follow-up protocol. Further inve stigation is required to determine the most cost-effective method to monito r individuals who suffer a needlestick injury from an HCV-positive patient.