Resident: Roberts
Date: 2/26/10
Article title: Hepatitis C Virus Infection; A review and implications for the dentist
Author: Steven D. Vincent
Journal: Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences, University of London
Volume: 86 Pages 8-22
Year: 1997
Discussion: Hepatitis C Virus is an RNA virus that is present throughout the world. The virus has many variations and frequently mutates due to poor replication, thus a vaccine or postoperative prophylaxis is far from reaching the marketplace. The virus is mainly transmitted through blood contact, though a large percentage of carriers have an unknown origin. The virus causes chronic hepatitis resulting in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in a large majority of its host( after 20 – 30 years of being infected). Interferon alpha is currently the drug of choice but is only effective in about 25% of patients. The most common oral manifestation of the drug is lichen planus or sialadenitis. There have been few reports of noscomial transmission of HCV; however, the prevalence of HCV infection among dental HCW’s is similar to that in the general population.
Assessment: I was left high and dry after the article suggested that is was geared towards dentist. There wasn't a whole lot of information you could really hang your hat on for clinical relevance.
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