PubMed · 2015 · 16 citations · 0 references
Public HealthInfectious DiseasesNephrologyHemodialysisInfection PreventionOutbreak InvestigationHealthcare-associated Infection PreventionHealthcare-associated Outbreak InvestigationInfection ManagementViral HepatitisDialysis-related Infection PreventionDialysis-related InfectionsEpidemiologic Data AnalysisHepatitis C InfectionHepatitis C Virus TransmissionInfection Control ReadinessInfection Prevention In DialysisInfection Prevention In Hemodialysis
In the United States, the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among patients treated in hemodialysis facilities is five times higher than among the general population. This study investigated eight new hepatitis C virus infections among patients treated at an outpatient hemodialysis facility. Epidemiologic investigation and viral sequencing demonstrated that transmission likely occurred between patients typically treated during the same or consecutive shifts at the same or a nearby station. Several infection control breaches were observed including lapses involving the preparation, handling, and administration of parenteral medications. Improved infection control education and training for all hemodialysis facility staff is an important component of assuring adherence to appropriate procedures and preventing future outbreaks.