Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Between Hemodialysis Patients Sharing the Same Machine

Updated Evidence on the Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus in Hemodialysis

Prevalence rates of HCV infection are decreasing in hemodialysis units of most developed countries; however, nosocomial transmission of HCV continues to occur in the hemodialysis setting, not only in the emerging world. According to the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS, 2012–2015), the prevalence of HCV among patients on regular hemodialysis was 9.9%; in incident patients, the frequency of HCV was approximately 5%. Outbreaks of HCV have been investigated by epidemiologic and phylogenetic data obtained by sequencing of the HCV genome; no single factor was retrieved as being associated with nosocomial transmission of HCV within hemodialysis units. Transmission of HCV within HD units can be prevented successfully by full compliance with infection control practices; also, antiviral treatment and serologic screening for anti-HCV can be useful in achieving this aim. Infection control practices in hemodialysis units include barrier precautions to prevent exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other procedures specific to the hemodialysis environment. Isolating HCV-infected hemodialysis patients or using dedicated dialysis machines for HCV-infected patients are not currently recommended; reuse of dialyzers of HCV-infected patients should be made, according to recent guidelines. Randomized controlled trials regarding the impact of isolation on the risk of transmission of HCV to hemodialysis patients have not been published to date. At least two studies showed complete elimination of de novo HCV within HD units by implementation of strict infection control practices without isolation practices. De novo HCV within hemodialysis units has been independently associated with facility HCV prevalence, dialysis vintage, and low staff-to-patient ratio. Antiviral treatment of HCV-infected patients on hemodialysis should not replace the implementation of barrier precautions and other routine hemodialysis unit procedures.

Clinical practice guideline management of blood borne viruses within the haemodialysis unit

Some people who are receiving dialysis treatment have virus infection such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C and/or HIV that is present in their blood. These infections can be transmitted to other patients if blood is contaminated by the blood of another with a viral infection. Haemodialysis is performed by passing blood from a patient through a dialysis machine, and multiple patients receive dialysis within a dialysis unit. Therefore, there is a risk that these viruses may be transmitted around the dialysis session. This documents sets out recommendations for minimising this risk.There are sections describing how machines and equipment should be cleaned between patients. There are also recommendations for dialysing patients with hepatitis B away from patients who do not have hepatitis B. Patients should be immunised against hepatitis B, ideally before starting dialysis if this is possible. There are guidelines on how and when to do this, for checking whether immunisation is effective, and for administering booster doses of vaccine. Finally there is a section on the measures that should be taken if a patient receiving dialysis is identified as having a new infection of hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV.

Transmission of hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis: Current concepts

A variety of epidemiological data provides evidence for the occurrence of nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to hemodialysis (HD) patients. The most important factor implicated in HCV transmission between patients treated in the same dialysis unit is cross-contamination from supplies and surfaces as a result of failure of staff to follow infection control procedures. Parts of the HCV genome are highly variable and lend themselves to fingerprinting of each isolate using nucleic acid testing (NAT) and sequencing. This approach has permitted investigation of possible transmission routes within HD units. A systematic review of molecular virology papers revealed transmission of HCV via internal fluid pathways of the dialysis machines in a minority of reports only. Dialyzer reuse was not identified as a risk factor for HCV acquisition in multicenter databases. No randomized controlled trials exist on the impact of isolation on the risk of transmission of HCV to hemodialysis patients. A Belgian prospective multicenter study showed a reduction from 1.4% to 0% in the annual incidence of seroconversion for HCV without any isolation measures, by implementation of strict infection control procedures designed to prevent transmission of blood-borne pathogens, including HCV. However, an isolation policy for HCV-infected dialysis patients should be considered in dialysis units where nosocomial transmission of HCV persists despite reinforcement and audit of hygienic precautions for hemodialysis. Routine audit precautions (general and for dialysis machines) are recommended on a regular basis within HD units.

Isolation as a strategy for controlling the transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in haemodialysis units

BACKGROUND

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects about 2% of the world's population and can cause chronic liver infection and persistent long-term sequelae such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.The prevalence of HCV infection among people on haemodialysis is often higher than the general population. The virus is easily transmitted parenterally, and blood transfusions have previously played a significant role in transmission; however, erythropoietin therapy has reduced the need for transfusions, and coupled with improved screening of donated blood, has significantly decreased transmission by transfusion. Although control of hospital-acquired infection has improved with the advent of biosafety measures, stopping HCV transmission in haemodialysis units remains challenging.Isolating people infected with HCV involves physical separation from others to limit direct or indirect transmission and includes a number of strategies during dialysis. The evidence for isolating people infected with HCV during haemodialysis is sparse with some inconsistencies.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of isolation of HCV-infected patients during haemodialysis on the transmission of HCV to other patients.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Specialised Register to 26 November 2015 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. We also searched the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS) (1982 to 2015), Web of Science Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (CPCI-S, 1990 to 2015), ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database (1990 to 2015), and Open Grey (1990 to 2015).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and cluster RCTs evaluating the clinical benefits and harms of isolating HCV-infected patients during haemodialysis on the transmission of HCV to other patients. We considered incidence of dialysis-acquired HCV infection, all-cause mortality, and adverse effects associated with isolation as the primary outcomes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Summary estimates of effect were obtained using a random-effects model, and results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI for continuous outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

Only one study, which included 12 centres was identified: four centres used dedicated haemodialysis machines for HCV-infected patients and eight centres used non-dedicated machines. The total number of patients enrolled was 593. One centre was excluded after randomisation. Random sequence generation was not described and allocation concealment was not performed. Participants and personnel were not blinded and blinding of outcome assessors was not reported. Only 74.5% of the patients were followed for 9 months; and 47.3% were followed for an additional 9 months. The authors only reported one outcome, measuring the difference in the incidence of HCV in both groups. The authors did not consider the exposure time, to determine the adjusted rate of seroconversion risk/patient-year. The study reported that the incidence of HCV infection during the first follow-up period (9 months) was 1.6% in the dedicated group, and 4.7% in the non-dedicated one (446 patients analysed out of 593 randomised; RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.07). During the second follow-up period (18 months) the incidence was 1.3% in the dedicated group and 5.8% in the control (281 patients analysed out of 593 randomised; RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.05 to 1.02). Therefore, we found no differences in terms of the number of participants developing HCV infection when comparing the dedicated group with the usual care. Moreover, the evidence was of very low quality, which means that we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The benefits and harms of isolation of HCV-infected patients during haemodialysis on the transmission of HCV to other patients are uncertain. Evidence from one short-duration cluster-randomised study with a high risk of bias did not find differences in terms of the number of participants developing HCV infection when comparing the use of dedicated haemodialysis machines for HCV infected patients with the use of non-dedicated machines.

Hepatitis Viruses B and D and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infections in Hemodialysis Patients in the South of Iran: Prevalence and Genotypes

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are transmitted by blood transfusion. Thus, hemodialysis (HD) patients are more prone to become the carriers of these infections due to their treatment demands.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of HBV and HIV infections among HD patients in Bandar Abbas, Iran, 2015.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 153 patients with chronic renal failure undergoing HD at Shahid Mohammadi hospital in Bandar Abbas were examined for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti- hepatitis C virus, and anti-HIV over a period of 2 months. Thereafter, all of the specimens were evaluated for HBV-DNA, HDV-RNA and HIV-RNA using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and further techniques. All statistical analyses were carried out using SPSS version 12 for Windows with the t-test and chi-square (χ(2)) test.

RESULTS

Both kinds of assay determined that nine (5.88%) patients were HBV positive (HBsAg-positive), whereas no HIV- and HDV-positive patients were diagnosed. All of the diagnosed HBV samples belonged to genotype D; the prevalence of HBV is associated with age, duration of HD, history of blood transfusion, and using shared HD devices.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the prevalence of HBV infection was low in the south of Iran, but genotype D represented the major HBV genotype in this population. Among the variables, age, duration of HD, history of blood transfusion, and using shared HD devices influenced the prevalence of HBV among HD patients.

Transmission of hepatitis C virus in dialysis units: a systematic review of reports on outbreaks

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) outbreaks among patients on hemodialysis are still an important health concern all over the world.

AIMS

We performed a systematic review of reports on HCV outbreaks within dialysis units of developed and less-developed countries (between 1992 and 2015) to evaluate risk factors and practices associated with patient-to-patient transmission of HCV in this setting.

METHODS

The research was performed using the PubMed Database and the Outbreak Database; studies were selected according to the PRISMA algorithm. Inclusion criteria were established before the papers were retrieved in order to avoid selection biases.

RESULTS

36 papers reported on 45 outbreaks that involved 335 unique patients on maintenance hemodialysis; no fatal cases were detected. Nosocomial transmission of HCV was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis in most (n=31; 69%) reports. Sharing contaminated hemodialysis machines and multidose vials (heparin or saline solution) was suggested responsible for HCV transmission in 8 (18%) and 6 (13%) outbreaks, respectively. Breaches in environmental cleaning and disinfection practices, and failures in medication preparation and administration practices was considered in 29 (65%) outbreaks; however, the exact mechanism of transmission of HCV could not be ascertained in each facility where an outbreak occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic review of reports on hepatitis C virus outbreaks shows that, although the full extent of HCV transmission in dialysis units is unknown, outbreaks continue to occur. Full compliance to standard/specific infection control procedures and routine serologic screening for HCV antibody play a pivotal role for preventing the transmission of HCV within hemodialysis units.

HIV transmission at a Saudi Arabia hemodialysis unit

This study confirms the occurrence of hemodialysis-associated HIV infection. The occurrence of such transmission is linked to the suboptimal compliance with prevention and control of infection measures.

Background. Hemodialysis is associated with increased risk of healthcare-associated infections but considered a low-risk setting for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. We investigated 3 hemodialysis unit (HDU) patients with new HIV infections to determine whether transmission was hemodialysis-associated and to correct factors that contributed to transmission.

Methods. Each patient was evaluated for HIV risk factors. Blood samples were tested to determine relatedness of HIV strains. Clinical data (gathered over 18 months) was reviewed to identify seroconversions at 12 HDUs. Infection prevention and control practices were evaluated at 14 HDUs.

Findings. No other HIV seroconversions were identified during the study. HIV gag, pol, and env gene sequences were consistent with a clonal relationship. HIV and hepatitis C virus prevalence rates at one HDU 1 (5.7% and 6.5%, respectively) were higher than for 11 other HDUs (0% and 0.15%, respectively).

Conclusions. Sequencing supports either patient-to-patient or common-source transmission. Infections occurred despite Saudi Arabia's low HIV prevalence and national dialysis policies that emphasize stringent infection prevention and control practices.

Epidemiology of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections among hemodialysis patients in Khartoum, Sudan

The epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is important for health planners and service providers. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for markers of HBV (HBsAg) and anti-HCV among hemodialysis patients at the Ahmed Gasim hemodialysis unit, Sudan. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain socio-demographic data and sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody to HCV (anti-HCV). Of the 353 patients enrolled in the study, HBsAg and anti-HCV were detected in 16 (4.5%) and 30 (8.5%) patients, respectively. None of the patients were co-infected with HBV and HCV. Multivariate analysis showed that duration of dialysis was significantly associated with anti-HCV seropositivity [OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.2-1.3; P = 0.024]. No other socio-demographic or clinical characteristics (age, sex, level of education, history of surgery, and number of units of blood transfused) were significantly associated with HBsAg or anti-HCV seropositivity. The results of this study suggest that HBsAg and anti-HCV have low prevalence among hemodialysis patients in Khartoum. Longer duration of dialysis was a risk factor for anti-HCV.

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B and C viruses among haemodialysis patients in Gaza strip, Palestine

Background

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its associated risk factors among haemodialysis (HD) patients in Gaza strip was investigated using serological and molecular techniques.

Results

The overall prevalence of HBV among the four HD centers was 8.1%. The main risk factors were HD center (p = 0.05), history of blood transfusion (p < 0.01), and treatment abroad (p = 0.01). The overall prevalence of HCV among the four HD centers was 22%. The main risk factors were HD center (p < 0.01), time duration on HD (p < 0.01), history of blood transfusion (p < 0.01), treatment abroad (p < 0.01), and history of blood transfusion abroad (p < 0.01). Serum aminotransferases levels decreased in HD patients compared with normal population but still there was a direct association between the activity of liver enzymes and both HBV (p < 0.01) and HCV (p < 0.01) infection.

Conclusion

The much higher prevalence of Hepatitis viruses among HD patients compared to the normal population of Gaza strip indicates a causative relation between HD and hepatitis viruses transmission. Therefore extremely careful observation of preventive infection control measures is essential to limit Hepatitis viruses' transmission in HD centers.

Determinant roles of environmental contamination and noncompliance with standard precautions in the risk of hepatitis C virus transmission in a hemodialysis unit

BACKGROUND

Nosocomial transmission is the second most frequent cause of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A prospective observational study was conducted to assess the roles of environmental contamination and noncompliance with standard precautions in HCV cross-transmission in a hemodialysis unit.

METHODS

Patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis in a French university hospital unit were systematically screened, revealing 2 sporadic cases of HCV transmission. An investigation was launched to determine whether the patients were infected in the hemodialysis unit and the possible roles of environmental contamination and noncompliance with standard precautions. We examined possible relationships among new cases of HCV infection, environmental contamination by blood and HCV RNA, and compliance with guidelines on hand hygiene and glove use.

RESULTS

Two patients experienced seroconversion to HCV during the study period. Phylogenetic analyses showed that 1 of these patients was infected with the same strain as that affecting a chronically infected patient also treated in the unit. Of 740 environmental surface samples, 82 (11%) contained hemoglobin; 6 (7%) of those contained HCV RNA. The rate of compliance with hand hygiene was 37% (95% confidence interval, 35%-39%), and gloves were immediately removed after patient care in 33% (95% confidence interval, 29%-37%) of cases. A low ratio of nurses to patients and poor hand hygiene were independent predictors of the presence of hemoglobin on environmental surfaces.

CONCLUSION

Blood-contaminated surfaces may be a source of HCV cross-transmission in a hemodialysis unit. Strict compliance with hand hygiene and glove use and strict organization of care procedures are needed to reduce the risk of HCV cross-transmission among patients undergoing hemodialysis.

[Risk of hepatitis C related to traditional medicine: a case control study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam]

BACKGROUND

The transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is strongly associated with blood transfusion and drug abuse. However, in about a third of HCV-infected subjects, the risk factors are not clearly identified though some cases are likely to be healthcare associated. In an Asian country such as Vietnam, invasive procedures used for traditional and beauty care could be potential risk factors. The aim of the present study was to identify the risk factors of HCV infection in a population sample in Ho Chi Minh City.

METHOD

A case-control study matched by gender and age was performed among blood adults donors at the Centre of hematological diseases and blood transfusion. Cases were defined as blood donors with HCV-positive Elisa. Controls were selected at random among ELISA HCV-negative donors. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect data focusing on invasive medical procedures, beauty care and on invasive procedures related to traditional medicine.

RESULT

Among the 80 cases and 240 controls, the independent predictors of anti-HCV positivity using a stepwise logistic regression were: blood transfusion, intravenous drug abuse, acupuncture, ventoused scarification and practice of scarification (adjusted odds ratio and IC95%: 3.8 [1.1-13.1], 3.5 [1.7-7.3], 5.4 [2.3-12.7], 5.4 [2.5-11.7], 6.6 [1.6-26.4] respectively). The other risk factors such as past hospitalization surgery, tattooing, being a healthcare worker, or practising tattooing or piercing were not associated with HCV infection.

CONCLUSION

To be exposed to ventoused scarifications or acupuncture are risk factors for the transmission of HCV in Vietnam. A wide information campaign on hygiene practices for general population as well as the practitioners is needed to ensure safer health cares in traditional medicine.

Decline of hepatitis C infection in hemodialysis patients in Central Brazil: a ten years of surveillance

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been a significant problem for hemodialysis patients. However this infection has declined in regions where the screening for anti-HCV in blood banks and hemodialysis-specific infection control measures were adopted. In Brazil, these measures were implemented in 1993 and 1996, respectively. In addition, all studied units have implemented isolation of anti-HCV positive patients since 2000. In order to evaluate the impact of these policies in the HCV infection prevalence, accumulated incidence, and risk factors in hemodialysis population of Goiânia City, Central Brazil, all patients were interviewed and serum samples tested for HCV antibodies in 1993, 1996, 1999, and 2002. In the first six years (1993-1999), anti-HCV prevalence increased from 28.2 to 37.2%, however a b decrease in positivity was detected between 1999 and 2002 (37.8 vs 16.5%) when the measures were fully implemented. Also, a decrease of the anti-HCV accumulated incidence in cohorts of susceptible individuals during 1993-2002 (71%), 1996-2002 (34.2%), and 1999-2002 (11.7%) was found. Analysis of risk factors showed that length of time on hemodialysis, blood transfusion before screening for anti-HCV and treatment in multiple units were statistically associated with anti-HCV (p < 0.05). Our study showed a significant decline of hepatitis C infection in hemodialysis patients of Central Brazil, gratifying the importance of public health strategies for control and prevention of hepatitis C in the hemodialysis units.

Inondation des capteurs de pression sanguine des générateurs–moniteurs d'hémodialyse

Transmission of hepatitis C virus between hemodialysis patients occurs mainly between the patients treated simultaneously in the same sector or in the same room. The other mode of viral transmission occurs between two patients treated successively with the same hemodialysis generator-monitor and sharing the same environment. One of the vectors of this last mode of transmission could be the contamination of the system of measurement of pressure of the extracorporal blood circuit. In July 2004, the French health products safety agency (Agence française de sécurité sanitaire des produits de santé, Afssaps) published a recommendation on these systems of measurement of pressure. i) The recommendation points out the optional preventive measures that users and manufacturers can carry out: (a) the manufacturers can propose tight systems of measurement of pressure, based on the deformation of a device; (b) the users can add a second protective filter on the external tubing connecting the blood circuit to the machine; (c) the manufacturers can add additional protective filters on the internal tubings of the machine. ii)The recommendation indicates the actions to be carried out obligatorily in the event of backward flow of blood in the last external protective filter: the soiled filter must be replaced and the causes of the backward flow must be analyzed and corrected; after the session, the monitor must be taken out of the unit and checked by a technician. The technician must replace all the elements located downstream from a soiled protective filter: tubings, drip chamber level control system, and pressure transducer. When these elements are protected by internal filters, only tubings and the first internal filter not soiled must be replaced. Precautions with regard to the systems of measurement of pressure must supplement standard precautions of hygiene essential in hemodialysis units.

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