Risk to cancer patients from nosocomial hepatitis C virus.

Overview

Nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among dialysis patients is a well-described phenomenon. In addition, spread of HCV in outpatient medical clinic settings has recently been reported. In the past decade, nosocomial spread of hepatitis C among hospitalized patients being treated for cancer has increasingly been reported. The cause or source of transmission is unknown. Infection control practitioners should be aware of this potential risk to oncology patients.