[Risk of hepatitis C virus infection in medical occupations]

Following the introduction of sensitive and specific tests for the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection studies could be performed to determine the risk to acquire a HCV infection in medical professions. The aim of this report is to summarize the knowledge in this field, especially regarding the risk of transmission of HC virus by injuries with infected material, such as needles. The risk to acquire a HCV infection following needlestick injuries was found to be markedly lower than the risk for transmission of hepatitis B virus infection. In 7 studies from different countries this risk has been found to be between zero to a maximum of 10% (average 2%). When the frequency of HCV infection was studied in occupational groups in hospital (nurses, technical assistants, doctors), it did not differ significantly compared to the prevalence in general population. These and other findings concerning the risk of transmission of HCV infections (between spouses, mother/newborns) clearly show that the risk of transmission of HCV infection is markedly lower than that of HBV infection. These facts should be considered in judging of applications for the recognition of HCV infection as occupational disease.