Only 5 Hepatitis C cases found in D'Mello tests
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- Published: Friday, 20 March 2015 12:02
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Allegations of poor hygiene practices by Mr D'Mello led to 22,000 patients being recalled for blood tests. But out of 4,506 people tested only five were found positive for hepatitis C. Government statistics state the rate in the population is 0.32%, so in this sample, 14 cases would be expected. However a former patient of D'Mello is suing him for failing to spot that he had periodontal disease.
Dr Vanessa MacGregor, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at PHE East Midlands said: "With such a high number of people being tested for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV, the small number of positives that have been picked up as a result of screening is in line with what we would expect to see due to the very low prevalence of these blood-borne viruses within the community. Effective treatments are available for all blood-borne viruses, which is why it is important to identify anyone who may have been at risk of infection, so treatment can be started if necessary."
Patient sues for failing to spot perio problem
After having blood tests, David Wesson was told he had periodontal disease. He is one of about 200 former patients who are building cases with the Dental Law Partnership. Mr D'Mello is being investigated by the Care Quality Commission after he was covertly filmed failing to change his medical gloves between patients or properly sterilise equipment. He has never spoken publicly about the allegations.
David Corless-Smith, of the Dental Law Partnership, said: "Desmond D'Mello was a master of five-minute dentistry and you can't do much that is going to last a long time in five minutes. Mr Wesson's claim is for shoddy treatment. He is left with a disease that will see him lose up to a dozen teeth and it will cost him between £30,000 and £40,000 to replace them. We have 200 of Mr D'Mello's former patients bringing claims for nervous shock of being told they may have contracted a life-threatening infection but half of those are pursuing claims for poor treatment."
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