Sexual transmission of hepatitis C virus among monogamous heterosexual couples: the HCV partners study.

UNLABELLED: The efficiency of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission by sexual activity remains controversial. We conducted a cross-sectional study of HCV-positive subjects and their partners to estimate the risk for HCV infection among monogamous heterosexual couples. A total of 500 anti-HCV-positive, human immunodeficiency virus-negative index subjects and their long-term heterosexual partners were studied. Couples were interviewed separately for lifetime risk factors for HCV infection, within-couple sexual practices, and sharing of personal grooming items. Blood samples were tested for anti-HCV, HCV RNA, and HCV genotype and serotype. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis determined the relatedness of virus isolates among genotype-concordant couples. The majority of HCV-positive index subjects were non-Hispanic white, with a median age of 49 years (range, 26-79 years) and median of 15 years (range, 2-52 years) of sexual activity with their partners. Overall, HCV prevalence among partners was 4% (n=20), and nine couples had concordant genotype/serotype. Viral isolates in three couples (0.6%) were highly related, consistent with transmission of virus within the couple. Based on 8,377 person-years of follow-up, the maximum incidence rate of HCV transmission by sex was 0.07% per year (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.13) or approximately one per 190,000 sexual contacts. No specific sexual practices were related to HCV positivity among couples. CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide quantifiable risk information for counseling long-term monogamous heterosexual couples in which one partner has chronic HCV infection. In addition to the extremely low estimated risk for HCV infection in sexual partners, the lack of association with specific sexual practices provides unambiguous and reassuring counseling messages.

HCV routes of transmission: what goes around comes around.

The widespread availability of injectable therapies and increase in illicit injection drug use were responsible for the rapid emergence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the latter half of the 20th century. Iatrogenic exposures and illicit injection drug use have been the predominant risk factors for HCV transmission worldwide. In developing countries, unsafe therapeutic injection practices appear to be responsible for most infections. In developed countries, donor testing has virtually eliminated transfusion-related infections, but infections transmitted to patients by unsafe injections practices is an emerging problem. Injection drug use is the major risk factor for HCV; incidence remains high among new injectors, and this behavior likely contributes to and/or confounds reported associations between HCV-positive persons and histories of noninjection drug use, tattooing, and incarceration. Increased use of illegal drugs also may play a role in the emergence of sexually transmitted HCV infections among HIV-positive men who have sex with men. Ongoing monitoring of the epidemiology of HCV infection is crucial for preventing future infections.

Immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine among hemodialysis patients: effect of revaccination of non-responders and duration of protection.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for patients on hemodialysis, however, seroprotection after a primary vaccine series is suboptimum. Limited data are available on the effect of revaccination of non-responders and on persistence of immunity in this population. METHODS: Hepatitis B vaccine (40 µg/dose) was given to 77 susceptible patients on hemodialysis (0, 1, and 6 month schedule). Levels of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) were tested ≥ 28 days after the third dose was administered, and non-responders revaccinated with an additional 3-dose series. Vaccine responders (anti-HBs ≥10 mIU/mL) were re-tested every 6 months and booster doses given as needed. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to estimate the probability of maintaining protective antibody level. Cox-proportional hazards models were used to assess the association between time to loss of protective antibody levels and certain explanatory variables. RESULTS: Overall primary vaccine-induced response was 79.2% (95% CI 68.2%, 87.3%), including 49/77 (63.6%; 95% CI 51.8%, 74.7%) patients who received the initial primary hepatitis B vaccine series and 12/21 (57.1%; 95% CI 34.4%, 77.4%) non-responders who were revaccinated with an additional series. Among weak responders (anti-HBs level 10.0-99.9 mIU/mL), protective antibody levels persisted in 44% for 12 months post-vaccination; whereas among strong responders (anti-HBs level ≥100 mIU/mL), protective antibody levels persisted in 92% for 12 months, and 68% for 24 months post-vaccination. A weak post-vaccination response increased the risk of losing protective antibody levels (adjusted hazard ratio, 9.7; 95% confidence interval, 3.5-28.5; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Revaccinating patients undergoing hemodialysis who do not respond to a primary vaccine series substantially increases the pool of protected patients. The threshold for defining hepatitis B vaccine-induced immunity should be revisited in this patient population to maximize the duration of protection.

Patient-care practices associated with an increased prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among chronic hemodialysis patients.

OBJECTIVE: To identify patient-care practices related to an increased prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among chronic hemodialysis patients. DESIGN: Survey. SETTING: Chronic hemodialysis facilities in the United States. PARTICIPANTS: Equal-probability 2-stage cluster sampling was used to select 87 facilities from all Medicare-approved providers treating 30-150 patients; 53 facilities and 2,933 of 3,680 eligible patients agreed to participate. METHODS: Patients were tested for HCV antibody and HCV RNA. Data on patient-care practices were collected using direct observation. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HCV infection was 9.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.2%-11.6%); only 2 of 294 HCV-positive patients were detected solely by HCV RNA testing. After adjusting for non-dialysis-related HCV risk factors, patient-care practices independently associated with a higher prevalence of HCV infection included reusing priming receptacles without disinfection (odds ratio [OR], 2.3 [95% CI, 1.4-3.9]), handling blood specimens adjacent to medications and clean supplies (OR, 2.2 [95% CI, 1.3-3.6]), and using mobile carts to deliver injectable medications (OR, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.0-2.8]). Independently related facility covariates were at least 10% patient HCV infection prevalence (OR, 3.0 [95% CI, 1.8-5.2]), patient-to-staff ratio of at least 7 : 1 (OR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.4-4.1]), and treatment duration of at least 2 years (OR, 2.4 [95% CI, 1.3-4.4]). CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first epidemiologic evidence of associations between specific patient-care practices and higher HCV infection prevalence among hemodialysis patients. Staff should review practices to ensure that hemodialysis-specific infection control practices are being implemented, especially handling clean and contaminated items in separate areas, reusing items only if disinfected, and prohibiting mobile medication and clean supply carts within treatment areas.

Incidence and transmission patterns of acute hepatitis C in the United States, 1982-2006.

BACKGROUND: Monitoring disease incidence and transmission patterns is important to characterize groups at risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Clinical cases generally represent about 20% to 30% of all newly acquired infections. METHODS: We used sentinel surveillance to determine incidence and transmission patterns for acute hepatitis C in the United States using data from 25 years of population-based surveillance in the general community. Acute cases of hepatitis C were identified from 1982 through 2006 by a stimulated passive surveillance system in 4 to 6 US counties. Cases were defined by a discrete onset of symptoms, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels greater than 2.5 times the upper limit of normal (×ULN), negative findings for serologic markers for acute hepatitis A and B, and positive findings for antibody to HCV or HCV RNA. Incidence and frequency of reported risk factors were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: Of 2075 patients identified, the median age was 31 years, 91.5% had ALT values greater than 7×ULN, 77.3% were jaundiced, 22.5% were hospitalized, and 1.2% died. Incidence averaged 7.4 per 100,000 individuals (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.4-8.5 per 100,000) during 1982 to 1989 then declined averaging 0.7 per 100,000 (95% CI, 0.5-1.0 per 100,000) during 1994 to 2006. Among 1748 patients interviewed (84.2%), injection drug use (IDU) was the most commonly reported risk factor. The average number of IDU-related cases declined paralleling the decline in incidence, but the proportion of IDU-related cases rose from 31.8% (402 of 1266) during 1982 to 1989 to 45.6% (103 of 226) during 1994 to 2006. Among IDU-related cases reported during 1994 to 2006, 56 of 61 individuals (91.8%) had been in a drug treatment program and/or incarcerated. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of acute HCV declined substantially over the 25 years of population-based surveillance. Despite declines, IDU is the most common risk factor for new HCV infection.

Aging of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected persons in the United States: a multiple cohort model of HCV prevalence and disease progression.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C (CH-C) remains high and the complications of infection are common. Our goal was to project the future prevalence of CH-C and its complications. METHODS: We developed a multicohort natural history model to overcome limitations of previous models for predicting disease outcomes and benefits of therapy. RESULTS: Prevalence of CH-C peaked in 2001 at 3.6 million. Fibrosis progression was inversely related to age at infection, so cirrhosis and its complications were most common after the age of 60 years, regardless of when infection occurred. The proportion of CH-C with cirrhosis is projected to reach 25% in 2010 and 45% in 2030, although the total number with cirrhosis will peak at 1.0 million (30.5% higher than the current level) in 2020 and then decline. Hepatic decompensation and liver cancer will continue to increase for another 10 to 13 years. Treatment of all infected patients in 2010 could reduce risk of cirrhosis, decompensation, cancer, and liver-related deaths by 16%, 42%, 31%, and 36% by 2020, given current response rates to antiviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of hepatitis C cirrhosis and its complications will continue to increase through the next decade and will mostly affect those older than 60 years of age. Current treatment patterns will have little effect on these complications, but wider application of antiviral treatment and better responses with new agents could significantly reduce the impact of this disease in coming years.

Seroprevalence of HCV infection in homeless Baltimore families.

Our objective was to investigate hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence in homeless caregivers and their children 2-18 years of age living in a family. During a 30-month period from October 2001 through April 2004 in Baltimore, 170 caregivers enrolled and 168 of these accepted testing for antibody to HCV (anti-HCV), as did all 336 children and adolescents enrolled. Main results. None of the children younger than 18 years old were HCV seropositive; in striking contrast, however, 32 (19%) caregivers were seropositive. Most (59%) were previously unaware of their HCV serostatus. History of ever injecting drugs was the strongest predictor of HCV seropositive status in the caregivers, reported by 14% overall, and by 71% of HCV positives. Conclusion. The homeless families were very receptive to our HCV seroprevalence study and are likely also to be receptive to shelter-based HCV prevention programs for young children and adolescents as well as for adults.

Positive impact of a shelter-based hepatitis B vaccine program in homeless Baltimore children and adolescents.

Homeless youth are at increased risk for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and HBV vaccine coverage is poor in this group. The purpose of our study was to determine if a shelter-based HBV vaccine program in children and adolescents 2-18 years of age with a randomized controlled trial using a culturally appropriate HBV video could increase HBV vaccine coverage rates. Subjects were randomized to an 8 min HBV video or a control, smoking prevention video. Before exposure to the videos, HBV knowledge, and demographics were assessed in caregivers and adolescents. HBV vaccine no. 1 was offered to all subjects who did not produce a vaccine record; subsequently, an accurate HBV vaccine history was obtained from medical providers. Subjects were asked to return 1 and 3 months after visit 1, HBV vaccine was offered to all with incomplete coverage, and HBV knowledge was reassessed. There were 328 children and adolescents cared for by 170 caregivers enrolled in the study. One hundred and four had incomplete HBV vaccine coverage. Data are reported for all family units with at least one subject needing vaccine. There were 53 children and adolescents randomized to the HBV video vs. 51 to the smoking video. HBV knowledge scores of caregivers improved at Visit no. 2 vs. no. 1 in the HBV video group (p = 0.01) but not in the smoking group (p = 0.82). Similar results were observed for adolescents in the HBV video group (p = 0.05) but not in the smoking group (p = 0.40). Exposure to the HBV video vs the smoking video had a significant effect on return rates for vaccine at Visit no. 2 (59 vs. 31%; p = 0.05) but not at Visit no. 3 (47 vs. 18%, p = 0.06). The shelter-based vaccine program was very effective in increasing HBV coverage rates in the entire group of 328 children and adolescents enrolled in the study, from 68% coverage at baseline to 85% at the conclusion of the study. We conclude that shelter-based HBV vaccine programs can be highly effective in increasing vaccine coverage rates in older children and adolescents. A brief exposure to a culturally appropriate HBV video improves HBV knowledge and may improve return rates for vaccine.

Hepatitis B vaccination coverage levels among healthcare workers in the United States, 2002-2003.

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a well recognized risk for healthcare workers (HCWs), and routine vaccination of HCWs has been recommended since 1982. By 1995, the level of vaccination coverage among HCWs was only 67%. OBJECTIVE: To obtain an accurate estimate of hepatitis B vaccination coverage levels among HCWs and to describe the hospital characteristics and hepatitis B vaccination policies associated with various coverage levels. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. METHODS: A representative sample of 425 of 6,116 American Hospital Association member hospitals was selected to participate, using probability-proportional-to-size methods during 2002-2003. The data collected included information regarding each hospital's hepatitis B vaccination policies. Vaccination coverage levels were estimated from a systematic sample of 25 HCWs from each hospital whose medical records were reviewed for demographic and vaccination data. The main outcome measure was hepatitis B vaccination coverage levels. RESULTS: Among at-risk HCWs, 75% had received 3 or more doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, corresponding to an estimated 2.5 million vaccinated hospital-based HCWs. The coverage level was 81% among staff physicians and nurses. Compared with nurses, coverage was significantly lower among phlebotomists (71.1%) and nurses' aides and/or other patient care staff (70.9%; P<.05). Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was highest among white HCWs (79.5%) and lowest among black HCWs (67.6%; P<.05). Compared with HCWs who worked in hospitals that required vaccination only of HCWs with identified risk for exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material, hepatitis B vaccination coverage was significantly lower among HCWs who worked in hospitals that required vaccination of HCWs without identified risk for exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material (76.6% vs 62.4%; P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the United States, an estimated 75% of HCWs have been vaccinated against hepatitis B. Important differences in coverage levels exist among various demographic groups. Hospitals need to identify methods to improve hepatitis B vaccination coverage levels and should consider developing targeted vaccination programs directed at unvaccinated, at-risk HCWs who have frequent or potential exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material.

Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus infection.

Globally, hepatitis C virus (HCV) has infected an estimated 130 million people, most of whom are chronically infected. HCV-infected people serve as a reservoir for transmission to others and are at risk for developing chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been estimated that HCV accounts for 27% of cirrhosis and 25% of HCC worldwide. HCV infection has likely been endemic in many populations for centuries. However, the wave of increased HCV-related morbidity and mortality that we are now facing is the result of an unprecedented increase in the spread of HCV during the 20th century. Two 20th century events appear to be responsible for this increase; the widespread availability of injectable therapies and the illicit use of injectable drugs.

Infectivity of hepatitis C virus in plasma after drying and storing at room temperature.

OBJECTIVE: To determine effect of environmental exposure on the survival and infectivity of hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS: Three aliquots of chimpanzee plasma containing HCV and proven infectious HCV inoculum were dried and stored at room temperature, 1 aliquot for 16 hours, 1 for 4 days, and 1 for 7 days. A chimpanzee (CH247) was sequentially inoculated intravenously with each of these experimental inocula, beginning with the material stored for 7 days. Each inoculation was separated by at least 18 weeks of follow-up to monitor for infection. The concentration of HCV RNA was measured and quasi species were sequenced for each experimental inoculum and in serum samples from CH247. RESULTS: Evidence of HCV infection developed in CH247 only after inoculation with the material stored for 16 hours. No infection occurred after inoculation with the material stored for 7 days or 4 days. Compared with the original infectious chimpanzee plasma, the concentration of HCV RNA was 1 log lower in all 3 experimental inocula. The same predominant sequences were found in similar proportions in the original chimpanzee plasma and in the experimental inocula, as well as in serum samples from CH247. CONCLUSION: HCV in plasma can survive drying and environmental exposure to room temperature for at least 16 hours, which supports the results of recent epidemiologic investigations that implicated blood-contaminated inanimate surfaces, objects, and/or devices as reservoirs for patient-to-patient transmission of HCV. Healthcare professionals in all settings should review their aseptic techniques and infection control practices to ensure that they are being performed in a manner that prevents cross-contamination from such reservoirs.

Prevalence and risk factors for bloodborne exposure and infection in correctional healthcare workers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for bloodborne exposure and infection in correctional healthcare workers (CHCWs).Design. Cross-sectional risk assessment study with a confidential questionnaire and serological testing performed during 1999-2000. SETTING: Correctional systems in 3 states. RESULTS: Among 310 participating CHCWs, the rate of percutaneous injury (PI) was 32 PIs per 100 person-years overall and 42 PIs per 100 person-years for CHCWs with clinical job duties. Underreporting was common, with only 25 (49%) of 51 PIs formally reported to the administration. Independent risk factors for experiencing PI included being age 45 or older (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.41 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.31-4.46]) and having job duties that involved needle contact (aOR, 3.70 [95% CI, 1.28-10.63]) or blood contact (aOR, 5.05 [95% CI, 1.45-17.54]). Overall, 222 CHCWs (72%) reported having received a primary hepatitis B vaccination series; of these, 150 (68%) tested positive for anti-hepatitis B surface antigen, with negative results significantly associated with receipt of last dose more than 5 years previously. Serologic markers of hepatitis B virus infection were identified in 31 individuals (10%), and the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection was 2% (n=7). The high hepatitis B vaccination rate limited the ability to identify risk factors for infection, but hepatitis C virus infection correlated with community risk factors only. CONCLUSION: Although the wide coverage with hepatitis B vaccination and the decreasing rate of hepatitis C virus infection in the general population are encouraging, the high rate of exposure in CHCWs and the lack of exposure documentation are concerns. Continued efforts to develop interventions to reduce exposures and encourage reporting should be implemented and evaluated in correctional healthcare settings. These interventions should address infection control barriers unique to the correctional setting.

A comprehensive immunization strategy to eliminate transmission of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Part II: immunization of adults.

Hepatitis B vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its consequences, including cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. In adults, ongoing HBV transmission occurs primarily among unvaccinated persons with behavioral risks for HBV transmission (e.g., heterosexuals with multiple sex partners, injection-drug users [IDUs], and men who have sex with men [MSM]) and among household contacts and sex partners of persons with chronic HBV infection. This report, the second of a two-part statement from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), provides updated recommendations to increase hepatitis B vaccination of adults at risk for HBV infection. The first part of the ACIP statement, which provided recommendations for immunization of infants, children, and adolescents, was published previously (CDC. A comprehensive immunization strategy to eliminate transmission of hepatitis B virus infection in the United States: recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices [ACIP]. Part 1: immunization of infants, children, and adolescents. MMWR 2005;54[No. RR-16]:1-33). In settings in which a high proportion of adults have risks for HBV infection (e.g., sexually transmitted disease/human immunodeficiency virus testing and treatment facilities, drug-abuse treatment and prevention settings, health-care settings targeting services to IDUs, health-care settings targeting services to MSM, and correctional facilities), ACIP recommends universal hepatitis B vaccination for all unvaccinated adults. In other primary care and specialty medical settings in which adults at risk for HBV infection receive care, health-care providers should inform all patients about the health benefits of vaccination, including risks for HBV infection and persons for whom vaccination is recommended, and vaccinate adults who report risks for HBV infection and any adults requesting protection from HBV infection. To promote vaccination in all settings, health-care providers should implement standing orders to identify adults recommended for hepatitis B vaccination and administer vaccination as part of routine clinical services, not require acknowledgment of an HBV infection risk factor for adults to receive vaccine, and use available reimbursement mechanisms to remove financial barriers to hepatitis B vaccination.

Hepatitis C virus genotypes and viral concentrations in participants of a general population survey in the United States.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Estimates of the long-term benefits of antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis C are influenced by the frequency of characteristics that affect response in the population treated. This study determined hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes and RNA titers among HCV-infected persons in the general population of the United States. METHODS: Genotypes were determined from the NS5b region, and HCV RNA was quantified by using Amplicor Monitor (Roche Diagnostic Systems, Inc, Branchburg, NJ) from 275 HCV RNA-positive participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted during 1988 to 1994. RESULTS: The HCV genotypes identified included 1a (n = 142), 1b (n = 73), 2a (n = 8), 2b (n = 27), 3a (n = 17), 4 (n = 3), and 6 (n = 5). Based on weighted analysis of persons infected with genotypes 1, 2, and 3, genotype 1 predominated in all age groups (75.3%). By racial/ethnic group, genotype 1 was found in 90.9% of non-Hispanic blacks, 69.6% of non-Hispanic whites, and 71.2% of Mexican Americans. After adjusting for age and gender, only non-Hispanic black race/ethnicity was independently associated with genotype 1 infection (adjusted odds ratio 4.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-12.8). The overall geometric mean concentration of HCV RNA was 2.1 x 10(6) IU/mL; concentrations > 2 million IU/mL were found in 53.0% overall and 50.3% of persons with genotype 1. CONCLUSIONS: Persons with chronic hepatitis C in the United States who may require treatment in the foreseeable future are predominantly infected with genotype 1, including a disproportionate number of non-Hispanic blacks. These features emphasize the need for improved therapies that reduce or eliminate complications from genotype 1 infections.

Relationship of cosmetic procedures and drug use to hepatitis C and hepatitis B virus infections in a low-risk population.

We conducted an anonymous cross-sectional seroprevalence study of a population with a low frequency of injection drug use to determine whether persons with a history of cosmetic procedures, such as tattooing and body piercing, or intranasal drug use were at increased risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Students 18 years and older from eight college campuses in Houston, Texas, were invited to participate in the study. Of the 7,960 who completed a self-administered questionnaire and provided a blood sample, 5,282 U.S.- or Canadian-born participants were analyzed. Their median age was 21, 62% were female, 42% were white, 26% black, 22% Hispanic, and 10% Asian or other. Two percent reported injection drug use, 13.7% intranasal drug use, 21.2% body piercings, and 25.2% tattoos. The overall prevalence of HCV infection was 0.9% and of HBV infection was 5.2%. Higher HCV prevalence was independently associated with increasing age (odds ratio [OR] per year = 1.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08-1.14), history of injection drug use (OR = 18.24; 95% CI = 7.74-42.92), blood transfusion before 1991 (OR = 3.21; 95% CI = 1.02-10.12), and incarceration (OR = 3.48; 95% CI = 1.45-8.37). Among 5,066 students who denied injecting drugs, HCV prevalence was 0.8% in those who reported intranasal drug use and 0.6% each in those who reported tattoos and those who reported body piercing. Increased HBV prevalence was associated with high-risk sexual behaviors and black or Asian race. In conclusion, there was no increased risk for HCV or HBV infection in low-risk adults based solely on history of cosmetic procedures or snorting drugs. However, proper infection control practices for cosmetic procedures should be followed, illegal drug use discouraged, and hepatitis B vaccination provided to adolescents and sexually active adults.

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in the United States, 1999 through 2002.

BACKGROUND: Defining the primary characteristics of persons infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) enables physicians to more easily identify persons who are most likely to benefit from testing for the disease. OBJECTIVE: To describe the HCV-infected population in the United States. DESIGN: Nationally representative household survey. SETTING: U.S. civilian, noninstitutionalized population. PARTICIPANTS: 15,079 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 1999 and 2002. MEASUREMENTS: All participants provided medical histories, and those who were 20 to 59 years of age provided histories of drug use and sexual practices. Participants were tested for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV) and HCV RNA, and their serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were measured. RESULTS: The prevalence of anti-HCV in the United States was 1.6% (95% CI, 1.3% to 1.9%), equating to an estimated 4.1 million (CI, 3.4 million to 4.9 million) anti-HCV-positive persons nationwide; 1.3% or 3.2 million (CI, 2.7 million to 3.9 million) persons had chronic HCV infection. Peak prevalence of anti-HCV (4.3%) was observed among persons 40 to 49 years of age. A total of 48.4% of anti-HCV-positive persons between 20 and 59 years of age reported a history of injection drug use, the strongest risk factor for HCV infection. Of all persons reporting such a history, 83.3% had not used injection drugs for at least 1 year before the survey. Other significant risk factors included 20 or more lifetime sex partners and blood transfusion before 1992. Abnormal serum ALT levels were found in 58.7% of HCV RNA-positive persons. Three characteristics (abnormal serum ALT level, any history of injection drug use, and history of blood transfusion before 1992) identified 85.1% of HCV RNA-positive participants between 20 and 59 years of age. LIMITATIONS: Incarcerated and homeless persons were not included in the survey. CONCLUSIONS: Many Americans are infected with HCV. Most were born between 1945 and 1964 and can be identified with current screening criteria. History of injection drug use is the strongest risk factor for infection.

Factors associated with personal protection equipment use and hand hygiene among hemodialysis staff.

BACKGROUND: Because exposure to blood by health care workers is frequent during hemodialysis, gloves are required for all contact with patients and their equipment, followed by hand hygiene. In this study, we investigated factors associated with performing these practices as recommended. METHODS: Staff members from a sample of 45 US hemodialysis facilities were surveyed using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire. Factors independently associated with reporting increased compliance with recommended hand hygiene and glove use practices during patient care were identified with multivariate modeling. RESULTS: Of 605 eligible staff members, 420 (69%) responded: registered nurses, 41%; dialysis technicians, 51%; and licensed practical nurses, 8%. Only 35% reported that dialysis patients were at risk for bloodborne virus infections, and only 36% reported always following recommended hand hygiene and glove use practices. Independent factors associated with more frequent compliance were being a technician (versus a registered nurse) and reporting always doing what was needed to protect themselves from infection. CONCLUSION: Compliance with recommended hand hygiene and glove use practices by hemodialysis staff was low. The rationale for infection control practices specific to the hemodialysis setting was poorly understood by all staff. Infection control training should be tailored to this setting and should address misconceptions.