Hepatitis and transfusions.

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are major causes of liver disease. Chronic infection with these viruses often leads to chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis or primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Concern is growing among patients and health care workers about possible transmission of bloodborne pathogens during medical procedures. This fear has primarily been focused on nosocomial transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but other bloodborne infectious agents may also be transmitted during procedures. Chief among these are the hepatitis viruses, particularly HBVand HCV, both of which are significantly more widespread than HIV Circumstantial evidence suggests that hemodialysis, per se, is an important risk factor for infection with HCV.