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[A case of needlestick-induced acute type C hepatitis]
S Yamamoto1, Y Niki, R Soejima
1Department of Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School.
Summary
Hepatitis C (HCV) transmission via needlestick injury in healthcare workers can be prevented with interferon therapy. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing occupational HCV exposure.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a risk of occupational exposure, particularly through needlestick injuries.
- Healthcare professionals are vulnerable to HCV transmission from infected patients.
- Understanding the efficacy of antiviral therapy in preventing acute hepatitis C chronicity is critical.
Observation:
- A 25-year-old doctor sustained a needlestick injury from a patient positive for HCV genotype II.
- The doctor seroconverted to anti-HCV positive with elevated GPT levels 65 days post-exposure.
- Liver biopsy confirmed acute viral hepatitis consistent with HCV infection.
Findings:
- Treatment with interferon alfa-2b (IFN-alpha-2b) resulted in complete resolution of hepatitis.
- HCV-RNA became undetectable within two weeks of initiating IFN therapy.
- Post-treatment liver biopsy indicated convalescence of acute hepatitis.
Implications:
- Interferon therapy can prevent the progression of acute hepatitis C to chronic infection, even after occupational exposure.
- Accidental needlestick injuries require a minimum of six months of follow-up.
- Serum GPT and second-generation anti-HCV ELISA testing are recommended for monitoring infected personnel.