Transmission of hepatitis C virus from a surgeon to a patient. The Incident Control Team

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Updated: Oct 1, 2026

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
13:04

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication

Published on: June 26, 2014

G J Duckworth1, J Heptonstall, C Aitken

  • 1East London and the City Health Authority, London. g.duckworth@cdsc.nthames.nhs.uk

Communicable Disease and Public Health
|September 24, 1999
PubMed

Insights

A surgeon transmitted hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4a to a patient during cardiothoracic surgery. This study investigated transmission and found a low transmission rate of 0.36% among exposed patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Surgical Safety

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant public health concern.
  • Understanding transmission routes is crucial for preventing healthcare-associated infections.

Observation:

  • A patient developed HCV infection following cardiothoracic surgery.
  • Virological analysis identified matching HCV genotype 4a in both the patient and the first assistant surgeon.
  • No other infection sources were identified, including blood donors.

Findings:

  • HCV transmission from surgeon to patient occurred during an exposure-prone procedure.
  • The transmission rate in this incident was determined to be 0.36% (1/278 patients).
  • Extensive follow-up testing of 277 other exposed patients revealed no additional HCV infections.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the risk of surgeon-to-patient transmission of HCV during invasive procedures.
  • Reinforces the importance of stringent infection control measures and screening for healthcare professionals.
  • Emphasizes the need for vigilance in identifying and managing potential transmission events in surgical settings.

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