CLDF Title
Home | Contact Us | Bookmark
MASH HCC ALCOHOL LIVER DISEASE PEDIATRIC LIVER DISEASE
Embassy of Education
Webcasts Abstract Library LiverQ Academy National Conference Regional Conferences
 
Back  
 
Reuters Health Information (2005-09-08): Regular testing needed to reduce hemodialysis-related HCV infections

Epidemiology

Regular testing needed to reduce hemodialysis-related HCV infections

Last Updated: 2005-09-08 16:32:04 -0400 (Reuters Health)

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - In a study of hemodialysis centers in Hiroshima, Japan, the annual incidence of de novo hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections was 0.33%. These data support the need for more frequent HCV RNA testing in such centers, according to the authors.

"Based on our experience, testing for HCV RNA on a monthly basis may be necessary to reduce the transmission of HCV in hemodialysis units," senior author Dr. Hiroshi Yoshizawa, from Hiroshima University, and colleagues note.

The new findings, which appear in the Journal of Medical Virology for September, are based on a study of 2744 patients who attended one of nine hemodialysis centers between November 1999 and February 2003. The patients were tested for HCV RNA at regular intervals during the study period.

The prevalence of HCV infection on the first test was 15.7%, while the rate on the last test was 12.9% (p < 0.05). The researchers believe this significant decline is due to a lower prevalence of infection in incoming patients than in outgoing patients.

During the study period, 16 de novo HCV infections occurred, yielding a 0.33% annual rate of infection. Of these infections, eight were new, three were reinfections, and five seemed to have occurred in the "window period when tested during the first survey."

The findings emphasize "the need for frequent serum HCV RNA testing and for stringent disinfection procedures in order to prevent the transmission of HCV in these settings," the authors conclude.

J Med Virol 2005;76:498-502.

 
 
 
 

Subscribe

Be the first to know about our latest upcoming programs and events!

CLDF

Follow us

The Chronic Liver Disease Foundation is a non-profit organization with content developed specifically for healthcare professionals.
© Copyright 2012-2025 Chronic Liver Disease Foundation. All rights reserved. This site is maintained as an educational resource for US healthcare providers only.
Use of this Web site is governed by the Chronic Liver Disease Foundation terms of use and privacy statement.