Hepatitis C Management

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Question:

I am a dentist who works out (sports jujitsu and grappling similar to wrestling) with a man recently diagnosed with hepatitis C infection. Is sweat transmission a concern? Should I be tested?

Transmission of HCV by sweat has not been documented. It is possible, of course, that in the close contact sport described, abrasions or bleeding could occur. From such contact, it might be possible for blood-blood transmission. Dentists (especially oral surgeons) are at higher risk for development of HCV. It is reasonable for them to be checked for HCV from time to time.

For more information, see the section on Testing For Possible, Suspected, or Documented HCV Infection in the Hepatitis C Management monograph.

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