HCV seroprevalence in dialysis patients, their relatives and medical staff.

HCV infection has emerged as a significant problem for both dialysis patients and medical staff. We report the data found in a dialysis center in Bucharest for hepatitis B, C and HIV infections. Single random samples collected from 133 dialysis patients give a seroprevalence of 91.7% for HCV antibodies in contrast with the absence of seropositives between medical staff members. To assess the relative risk for HCV transmission by sexual or casual contacts we investigated also 15 samples from the relatives of patients. One spouse and the child were found positive. The differences in the epidemiology of B and C hepatitis are discussed.