Universal treatment success among healthcare workers diagnosed with occupationally acquired acute hepatitis C

Abstract

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at risk of occupationally acquired hepatitis C. In the UK, 17 HCWs were diagnosed with occupationally acquired acute hepatitis C between 2002 and 2011. All 17 cases involved percutaneous injuries from hollowbore needles, 16 known to be contaminated with blood. Of these 17 HCWs, 15 received antiviral therapy and 14 are known to have achieved viral clearance. Treatment success was irrespective of genotype. The successful treatment of HCWs emphasizes the need for UK guidelines on the management of occupationally acquired acute hepatitis C.