Experience of Seroconversion of Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Among Hemodialysis Patients, 2020

Chia-Chih Li ¹, Pei-Yi Lin ^2*, Yu-Wen Chiu¹, Chen-Hua Chen³, Ie-Ching Hu¹, Jen-Yih Lee ², Po-Lin Chen¹, Huai-Te Tsai ², Tzu-Chun Chen ², Tsuey-Fong Lee ²

2024 Vol.40 No.14

Correspondence Author： Pei-Yi Lin ^2*

Abstract：

        End-stage renal disease patients who receive long-term hemodialysis have a higher incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection than the general population. It has been recommended that hemodialysis patients should check for hepatitis C virus antibodies (HCV-Ab) every 6 to 12 months to detect suspected cases. This article described an incident in 2020 with three long-term hemodialysis patients in Southern Taiwan who were found to have HCV-Ab seroconversion within one year, leading to a presumed hospital outbreak. Health authorities and the hospital investigated the scale of this outbreak and transmission route, and implemented infection control measures. The hospital immediately convened an interdisciplinary team to assess the infection status of the patients and determine the follow-up measures. A strategy of managing hemodialysis patients with HCV-Ab seroconversion was also established. In the end, hepatitis C virus nucleic acid tests of the three patients were all negative. This experience can provide a reference for the personnel in hemodialysis units to manage similar events.

Keywords：Hemodialysis room, acute hepatitis C

Hepatitis C Virus Transmission in a Hemodialysis Unit, Southern Taiwan, 2020

Li-Chen Chen^1*, Yi-Tung Tseng², Min-Nan Hung¹, Mei-Ying Li³, Mei-Chen Chu³, Wei-Lun Huang⁴, Ching-Li Lin¹, Shih-Min Hsu¹, Pei-Jung Chen¹, Yen-Chang Tuan¹, Hui-Chen Lin¹, Ming-Chang Lin¹

2024 Vol.40 No.14

Correspondence Author： Li-Chen Chen^1*

Abstract：

        In June 2020, a case of acute hepatitis C was diagnosed at a hemodialysis unit in Southern Taiwan. Nucleic acid sequencing and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated genetic similarity between the viral strains from the case-patient and a patient with chronic hepatitis C who received dialysis at the same unit, suggesting a healthcare-associated infection. An infection control team conducted a field inspection and revealed lapses in infection prevention and control, including use of inappropriate dialysis beds layout with cross-contamination potential, lack of dedicated area for drug dispensing, lack of separation between clean and contaminated working areas, and use of single-package drug diluent for multidose use. After correcting these lapses, no incident acute hepatitis C cases were noted as of July 2021. This event highlighted the importance of compliance with infection control measures in hemodialysis units.

Keywords：Acute hepatitis C, dialysis unit, outbreak, multidose medicine