Outbreak of Hepatitis C Virus Infections At an Outpatient Hemodialysis Facility: The Importance of Infection Control Competencies

摘要

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common blood-borne infection in the United States (U.S.) (Shepard, Finelli, & Alter, 2005). Most people infected with HCV will develop chronic HCV infection. This can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and is the leading cause of liver transplantation in the U.S. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] 1998; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [DHHS], 2005). The prevalence of HCV infection among patients treated in U.S. hemodialysis facilities is nearly five times that of the general population (7.8% vs. 1.6%) (Armstrong et al., 2006; Finelli, Miller, Tokars, Alter, & Arduino, 2005). Of 13 healthcare-related outbreaks of HCV infection during 2008-2011 that were reported to CDC, 5 (38%) were in outpatient hemodialysis centers (CDC, 2013).