Hepatitis C infection: a review on epidemiology and management of occupational exposure in health care workers for general physicians working in Iranian health network setting

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health in Iran as well as throughout the world. Health care workers (HCW) are occupationally at the risk of HCV infection. The aim of this article is to review the information about the epidemiology, nosocomial epidemiology, natural history, immunopathogenesis, and occupational risks associated with managing HCV in the health care workplace. Information obtained from previous investigation on HCV infection has yielded a better knowledge about HCV. Because data demonstrating the efficacy of any intervention are not yet available, no definitive post exposure anti viral therapy can be recommended for HCWs who are occupationally exposed to HCV. Based on existing data, the preemptive therapy and watchful waiting strategies outlined in this review article represent reasonable interim approaches to this complex problem.