Possible transmission of hepatitis C virus infection by ritual cigarette burn

Consultant Physician (Allergy), PO Box 401, Hindmarsh, SA 5007 1. DennisK, FrankelH. Traumaon eight wheels.AmJ SportsMoo 1983; 11: 38-41. 2. Pendergrast R. Skateboard injuries in children and adolescents. J Ado/esc Health Care 1990; 11: 408-412. 3. Banas M, Dalldorf P, Marquardt J. Skateboardand in-line roller skates fractures: a report of one summer's experience. J Orthop Trauma 1992; 6: 301-305. 4. Ferkel R,Mai L, Ullis K, Finerman G.An analysis of roller skating injuries. AmJ SportsMed 1981; 10: 24-30. 5. Williams M. The protective performance of bicyclists' helmets in accidents. Accid Ana/Prev1991; 23: 119-131. To the Editor: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is transmitted primarily by parenteral routes (hence the strong association with intravenous drug use), but also by tissue and organ transplantation, tattooing and needlestick injury. Haemodialysis patients appear to be at higher risk not only through blood transfusion, but also the dialysis procedure, where nosocomial infection may occur. The role of vertical transmission appears to be very small and there are few data to support sexual rransmission.t-' However, the route of infection cannot always be determined. Transfer of microscopic amounts of blood on household items such as toothbrushes or razors, and non-sterile ear piercing, body piercing or acupuncture, are possible sources. Patientto-patient transmission may have occurred in patients who underwent surgical procedures in the same operating theatre and session, although the exact mechanism of transmission is unknown." Extensive contamination of dental surgeries in which HCV-infected patients have been treated has been reported." Possible transmission of hepatitis C virus infection by ritual cigarette burn 1. Thomas J, editor. Australian prescription products guide. 23rd ed. Vol. 2. Hawthorn, Vic., 1994: 1577.