Epidemiology

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Epidemiology

Healthcare-related viral hepatitis transmission.  IT Williams and coworkers reviewed healthcare-related viral hepatitis transmission, with particular attention to ambulatory care settings, and examined strategies to prevent transmission of blood-borne pathogens.  It is estimated that therapeutic injections administered in an unsafe manner are responsible for >21 million new HBV infections and 2 million new HCV infections annually throughout the world.  There have been 4 recent outbreaks of HBV and HCV infections in ambulatory care settings that were due to failure to adhere to principles of aseptic technique with the administration of parenteral medications.  The authors emphasize that healthcare workers must follow standard precautions and fundamental infection-control principles, including safe injection practices and appropriate aseptic techniques, in order to prevent transmission of blood-borne pathogens.  Safe injection practices include the use of single-use, sterile, disposable needles and syringes, use of single-dose vials whenever possible, and prevention of contamination of injection equipment and medication.  These principles should be outlined in institutional policies, reinforced through in-service education, and monitored.  The authors conclude that, as demonstrated by recent outbreaks, the prevention of healthcare-related transmission of viral hepatitis warrants increased attention.  (Williams IT et al. Clin Infect Dis 2004;38:1592-1598.)