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pubmed:abstractText |
Recent reports of the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in health care settings have caused considerable public health concern. HIV as well as hepatitis B virus (HBV) and other bloodborne pathogens do constitute infectious hazards in certain settings. Transmission has been reported from patient to patient, patient to health care workers, and rarely, from health care worker to patient. Although the risk of bloodborne pathogen transmission is largely preventable, it may occur due to the use of infected blood for transfusion, the use of improperly sterilized medical or dental equipment, and accidental punctures with contaminated instruments. The risk of transmission of bloodborne pathogens is dependent on a number of factors and appears to be greater for HBV than for HIV. General guidelines for the prevention of transmission in health care settings are given, including the concept of "universal precautions", the need for adequate supplies of sterile equipment, the reduction of unnecessary injections and transfusions, and the appropriate use of hepatitis B vaccine. In addition, areas for research are highlighted that could improve understanding of transmission risks in different health situations and provide the information necessary to develop more effective measures to protect both care providers and patients.
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