Patient-to-Patient Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Through the Use of Multidose Vials During General Anesthesia

Abstract

A cluster of four patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was identified in a surgery clinic. Molecular characterization revealed close homology between viruses. This cluster was related to unsafe injection practices through multidose vials and reused materials. Among 796 patients potentially exposed to and screened for HCV, no other cluster was identified.