Occupational hepatitis C seroconversions in a Brazilian hospital

There are six known cases of occupational human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seroconversion in Brazil. However, there are neither published cases of occupational hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroconversion nor systematic studies of blood and body fluid exposures (BBFE) that could estimate the risk of HCV or HIV occupational seroconversion in Brazil.

To describe the outcomes of BBFEs in a Brazilian hospital over 12 years and 2 months.

Statistical analysis of a computerized database of exposure events recorded on printed forms. Incidence rates (IR) were calculated as the number of BBFE per 100 full-time equivalent worker-years.

There were 1457 BBFE, 87% being percutaneous and 561 (38%) recurring in health care workers (HCWs) who reported having previous exposures. The highest IRs occurred in laboratory technicians (9.7), medical students (9.5), cleaning staff (9.5) and nursing aids (9.2). The IR in temporary employees was 13.0. Two HCWs, a nursing aid and a surgeon, seroconverted to hepatitis C after HCV exposures involving 13 G catheter needles. The risk of acquiring a HCV infection was 2 in 38 percutaneous HCV exposures, i.e. 5% (95% CI: 0.89-16.3). There were no seroconversions to HIV despite 80 percutaneous HIV exposures.

HCV has a higher potential for occupational transmission than HIV. Measures to reduce the risks of BBFE and occupational transmission of blood-borne viral infections should be improved in Brazil.