Incidence of HCV infection in French hemodialysis units: a prospective study

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Jacques Izopet1, Karine Sandres-Sauné, Nassim Kamar

  • 1Laboratoire de Virologie, Variabilité virale EA2046-IFR30, Hôpital Purpan, CHU Toulouse, France. izopet.j@chu-toulouse.fr

Journal of Medical Virology
|July 21, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection incidence was 0.4% annually in French hemodialysis units. Early detection and alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) treatment led to high viral clearance rates.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant risk in healthcare settings.
  • Hemodialysis patients are particularly vulnerable to bloodborne infections like HCV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of new HCV infections in French hemodialysis units.
  • To investigate the sources of HCV transmission within these units.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) treatment for acute HCV infection.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study conducted from 1997 to 2000 in 25 French hemodialysis units.
  • Involved 1,323 patients, with monthly alanine aminotransferase (ALT) testing.
  • HCV RNA and anti-HCV antibody testing performed for elevated ALT levels.

Main Results:

  • Identified 14 new HCV infections over the study period, with an annual incidence of 0.4%.
  • Nosocomial transmission occurred in 7 units; 9 patients acquired HCV from infected individuals during dialysis.
  • Six of seven (85.7%) patients with acute HCV achieved viral clearance with alpha-IFN treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Nosocomial HCV transmission persists in hemodialysis units, highlighting the need for stringent infection control.
  • Early identification of new HCV infections is critical for effective treatment and preventing further spread.
  • Alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) therapy demonstrates high efficacy in clearing HCV RNA in patients with acute infection.

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