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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
13:04
A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
[Hepatitis C outbreak in an oncology ward]
Gil Rodríguez-Caravaca1, María Concepción Villar-del-Campo, María Luisa Casas-Losada
1Unidad de Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, Alcorcón, Madrid, España. grodriguez@fhalcorcon.es
Enfermedades Infecciosas Y Microbiologia Clinica
|August 4, 2009
Summary
Central catheter use during a hepatitis C virus (HCV) outbreak was linked to infection. Improper handling of contaminated heparinized saline solution likely caused the outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Infectious disease epidemiology
- Viral hepatitis research
- Healthcare-associated infections
Context:
- An outbreak of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection occurred.
- Investigating the source and risk factors for acute hepatitis C transmission was necessary.
Purpose:
- To identify the risk factors associated with the hepatitis C outbreak.
- To determine the independent predictors of HCV infection in the affected population.
Summary:
- A case-control study was conducted involving seven hepatitis C cases and 46 controls.
- Central catheter implantation emerged as a significant independent risk factor for hepatitis C (OR=35; 95% CI: 16.0-62.0).
- The outbreak was attributed to inadequate manipulation of central catheters with potentially HCV-contaminated heparinized saline solution.
Impact:
- Identifies a critical risk factor for HCV transmission in healthcare settings.
- Highlights the importance of aseptic techniques in managing central venous catheters.
- Provides crucial data for preventing future healthcare-associated hepatitis C outbreaks.
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