Risk of hepatitis C transmission by healthcare workers - a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Occupational acquisition of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among healthcare workers (HCWs) has markedly declined in high-income countries, largely due to improved infection control measures and safety-engineered devices. However, the risk of HCV transmission from HCWs to patients remains insufficiently characterized.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review of studies reporting serological evidence of HCV transmission from infected HCWs to patients. Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases for publications up to July 2025.

Results

Of 192 studies identified, 24 from eight countries met inclusion criteria. In total, 27 HCWs were implicated as potential sources, and 54,622 patients were tested for HCV RNA. Seventy-six transmiss

SUBMITTER: Diel R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12720405 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature