Can hepB/C be transmitted via Urine, and would lyophilization attentuate it?

[MattSmith]

Hi Guys

I am currently reviewing a research proposal which involves analysis of urine samples and am concerned that they could contain HepB/C.

Information available on the internet is rather unclear in this area but suggests both could be present in urine from infected patients.

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6T9S-3YYM2NM-5&_user=2471587&_rdoc=1&_fmt=&_orig=search&_sort=d&view=c&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=2471587&md5=c6dac625fd364a564c3d0307349a22ba

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=3825218

So, does anyone have a definitive answer: could urine from an infected patient pose a potential risk for hepB or hepC infection?

In addition, if the urine samples were lyophilized prior to dispatch, would this inactivate or attenuate any phage contained therein?

Thanks

Matt

[CoWriter]

lyophilized or freeze dried is a process used for preservation, not to inactivate viruses.   Think of the yellow fever vaccine.  It's made from LIVE virus....then it is freeze dried into a powder.  And it is reconstituted with liquid right before vaccinating somebody.  And the yellow fever virus is still alive, right?  So obviously, lyophilization did not inactivate the virus.  

When you work in research you know to treat ALL samples as if they're infectious.  You wear gloves and safety goggles and follow specific guidelines for storage and mailing samples.  

[Trinity4]

If you are handling the specimens with gloves and taking the proper precautions and you know trace amounts of blood could possibly be in the urine, I don't understand your point.  I'm quite sure you're not drinking the urine, hence, no possible contact that way. (hepb)  If you do not have an open sore that and have your hands protected, I do not see any way for the "possibly contaminated urine" to make contact with your skin. Splash amounts to the eyes? Who knows, that would be extreme circumstances.

[FlGuy]

Hcv can be found in blood. Blood can be found in urine. Depends on what condition yur in.

[MattSmith]

Your right in that HepC is not usually found in Urine.

However, while not normally found in urine, semen, vaginal/cervical fluids, feces or saliva, injury or illness may cause some of these substances to be contaminated with blood, hence my question!

[Trinity4]

Hepb can be transmitted from body fluids -  hepc can only be transmitted from blood to blood contact.