ABSTRACT
Unsafe injection practices are prevalent worldwide and may result in spread of infection. Thus the present study was planned to observe the injection practices of healthcare professionals [HCP], including aseptic precautions and disposal of used syringes/needle. Injection practices were observed in the outpatients and inpatients departments. Questionnaire was designed, tested and administered for this purpose. 130 patients receiving injections were observed. Overall injection practices of the HCP were satisfactory. However, unsafe practices with respect to not washing hands [95.4%], not wearing/changing gloves [61.6%], recapping of needles [12.2%], wiping of needle with swab [15.4%] and breaking of ampoule with solid object [44.4%] were observed. The problem of unsafe injections can be successfully addressed by organizing continuing medical education/symposium/workshops for improving the knowledge, attitude and practices of the HCP. Periodic monitoring and such interventions may also further improve safe injection practices
ABSTRACT
Hepatitis C is caused by hepatitis C virus [HCV], which is classified into 6 genotypes. It leads to chronic hepatitis in 80% of the cases. Genotype of the virus helps in predicting response to antiviral therapy and also the duration of treatment. Therefore, it is important to know the prevalence of each genotype. Knowledge regarding the route of entry of HCV in the blood is also necessary to formulate a strategy to prevent its spread. One hundred and two newly diagnosed patients with chronic hepatitis C, having anti-HCV antibody-positive were included in the study. Their HCV RNA viral load and genotype were determined by Reverse Transcriptase PCR assay on Roche Cobas Ampliprep analyzer. Genotype 3 was commonly detected in 58.8% patients followed by genotype 1 in 20.6%. Twelve patients had genotype 4 [11.8%] and 9 had mixed infection with genotypes 3 and 4. Among these patients, 43.1% of patients had a history of multiple injection exposure. Blood transfusion received by 6.9% and 2.9% had donated blood. Only 1 patient had a history of drug abuse. The distribution of genotypes varies in different regions and therefore its knowledge is important, as it determines the response of the patient to the treatment. The use of autodisabled syringes, their proper disposal, following biomedical waste management guidelines, and organizing continued medical education and workshops will help in preventing the spread of HCV infection