Nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus

Nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) may occur in a variety o f circumstances. This problem is best characterised in haemodialysis units. In this setting, molecular analysis of viral isolates indicates that patie nt to patient is the most frequent mode of HCV transmission. Spreading of H CV is mainly related to non-strict observance of universal precautionary me asures, which are an efficient and, possibly, sufficient means for preventi on. Epidemics or single instances of patient-to-patient transmission have o nly occasionally been reported in hospital settings other than haemodialysi s units, and, again, non-observance of universal precautionary measures, or inadequate cleaning or disinfecting of medical instruments was involved. T ransmission from an infected surgeon to patients has been reported, but inf ection from doctors to patients seems to be exceptional. Thus, although pro spective studies have not been performed, nosocomial transmission of HCV un related to haemodialysis appears to be an infrequent and preventable event.