Acute hepatitis C virus infection in an Australian prison inmate: tattooing as a possible transmission route.

Clinically apparent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection developed in a prison inmate after two tattooing episodes within the recognised incubation period for HCV infection. Seroconversion and HCV viraemia with subsequent resolution of hepatitis and loss of plasma viraemia were documented. Introducing licensed tattooists, and thereby improving infection control practices, may reduce the risk of hepatitis C virus infection in prisons.