Hepatitis C virus: an important occupational hazard?

Infection with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is estimated to affect 3% of the world's population and is an important cause of liver disease. It is most commonly transmitted by percutaneous exposure. Although current evidence does not suggest an increased prevalence of HCV infection among healthcare workers, transmission of infection following occupational exposure has been demonstrated. An average transmission rate of 1.8%, following percutaneous injury, has been reported. The risk of transmission is higher from patients with viraemia, as measured by a positive polymerase chain reaction for HCV RNA. After exposure to HCV, healthcare workers should be actively followed up, initially using a test to detect viral RNA. This may facilitate earlier diagnosis and treatment. Recent reports in the UK, of transmission of infection to patients from HCV infected healthcare workers, have prompted a review of the appropriateness of HCV infected individuals undertaking exposure prone procedures.