Nosocomial hepatitis B virus infections in cardiac transplant recipients transmitted during transvenous endomyocardial biopsy

Infection chains and evolution rates of hepatitis B virus in cardiac transplant recipients infected nosocomially

“…This conclusion is based on the finding that all isolates belonged to the same subtype and showed a maximum of three base differences when compared with each other, but differed by at least 18 bases when compared with other HBV-DNA sequences of the same subtype. The infection chains reconstructed on the basis of the similarity of isolates agreed well with those established from epidemiological data [Drescher et al, 1994].…”

“…No patient developed clinically apparent hepatitis. Further data of these patients have been described previously [Drescher et al, 1994]; patient 1 was found to be the source of infection.…”

“…The mode of infection was droplet contamination of instruments and/or medication vials used for subsequent patients. A description of the analysis of this outbreak has been presented previously [Drescher et al, 1994].…”

“…By contrast, the sequences differed by 18 nucleotides from the most similar HBV-DNA sequence published, indicating a common source of infection. The infection chains that have been constructed according to the base differences between the DNAs agreed well with those previously established on the basis of epidemiological data [Drescher et al (1994) Journal of Hospital Infection 26:81-92]. At least two HBV populations, differing by one or two nucleotides, were detected in four patients, and coexisted for differing periods of time.…”

An investigation of the decontamination of Siqveland matrix bands

“…1,2 Blood contaminated instruments have the potential to carry and transmit pathogenic material, including hepatitis B and C and HIV. [3][4][5][6] Matrix bands become heavily contaminated with blood, saliva and plaque during clinical use. A study in Scotland reported that the Siqveland matrix band is used in most dental practices.…”