Measures to Contain the Transmission of Hepatitis C in a Chronic Kidney Care Hospital Unit in the Triângulo Mineiro in Brazil: A Case Study

Int J Public Health. 2023 May 31:68:1605914. doi: 10.3389/ijph.2023.1605914. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Objectives: Hepatitis C virus elimination is complex. The objective was to analyze measures to eliminate virus transmission in a hemodialysis unit. Methods: Case study composed of multiple units of analysis. The scenario is the hemodialysis unit of a Brazilian public hospital. Population composed of health service records. Descriptive analyzes were performed and the beginning of the event was considered as the moment of increased incidence of HCV. The intentional and purposeful collection of information for understanding the event and implementing interventions. Results: The subunits of analysis were related to: clinical-epidemiological profile, active search, transmission routes, management protocol and results achieved. In August 2019, out of 45 patients, six were reactive for anti-HCV. All received treatment. Patients had exposure to contaminated medical equipment, objects or hands of professionals. Preventive measures were adopted and routine techniques were corrected. Situational Analysis Committee guided the management of the event. No new cases were detected. Conclusions: Strategies for the microelimination of the C virus in a dialysis environment are demonstrated and it shows the multidisciplinary efforts in conducting the event.

Keywords: epidemiology; hemodialysis units; hepatitis C; hospital; patient care team; public health services.

MeSH terms

  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • Hemodialysis Units, Hospital
  • Hepacivirus*
  • Hepatitis C* / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis C* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Kidney
  • Prevalence
  • Renal Dialysis / adverse effects