[Hospital acquired infections caused by hepatitis C virus]

The purpose of the paper was to present opinions endosed in the literature regarding risk factors, modes of transmission and sources of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in the hospital settings. Infections occurring among health care workers and patients, residual risks to the blood supply and blood transfusion, routes of hepatitis C transmission in haemodialysis centers were analyzed. In the paper significance of disinfection, sterilization, work practices designed to minimize or eliminate exposure, and use of personal protective equipment (universal precautions) wa showed. The importance of the invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in HCV transmission was stressed. Based on the presented findings, procedures to prevent nosocomial infections of HCV should be defined and implemented in all hospitals.