Identification, investigation and management of patient-to-patient hepatitis B transmission within an inpatient renal ward in North West England.

Background: Transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is rare within healthcare settings in developed countries. The aim of the article is to outline the process of identification and management of transmission of acute hepatitis B in a renal inpatient ward.

Methods: The case was identified through routine reporting to public health specialists, and epidemiological, virological and environmental assessment was undertaken to investigate the source of infection.