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. 2012 Dec 1;2(4):137-41.
doi: 10.11599/germs.2012.1025.

Management of accidental exposure to HCV, HBV and HIV in healthcare workers in Romania

Eyal Malka  1 , Anca Streinu-Cercel  2 , Daniela Piţigoi  3 , Rodica Bacruban  4
Affiliations

Management of accidental exposure to HCV, HBV and HIV in healthcare workers in Romania

Eyal Malka et al. Germs. .

Abstract

Introduction: Accidental blood exposure in healthcare workers is an important issue worldwide. We present a study which analyzed the route of exposure, the source of infection and the post-exposure prophylaxis treatment administered.

Method: We performed retrospective study of occupational exposure to HBV, HCV and HIV and the subsequent post-exposure prophylaxis among healthcare workers at the National Institute of Infectious Diseases "Prof.Dr. Matei Balş", Bucharest, Romania, from December 2002 to December 2011.

Results: Sixty healthcare workers with a mean age of 36 reported an occupational exposure during a period of 9 years, 54 (90%) were females and 6 (10%) were males. 48 (80%) exposed healthcare workers were nurses, 7 (11.6%) were doctors and 5 (8.3%) were medical assisting staff. In 49 (81.6%) cases the exposure was percutaneous and in 11 (18.3%) cases the exposure was mucosal/corneal. Ten (16.6%) exposed healthcare workers had insufficient levels of antibody (HBsAb) response, (below 10 mIU/mL), 6 (10%) had titers between 11 and 500 mIU/mL, 31 (51.6%) between 501-1000 mIU/mL, and 13 (21.6%) above 1000 mIU/mL).

Discussion: The exposure events analysis in this study yielded similar results compared to other previous parallel studies. Minimizing risks to HCWs for acquisition of blood-borne pathogens and correct and rapid post-exposure prophylaxis treatment in case of exposure should be an integral part of the infection control and occupational health programs in all healthcare facilities.

Keywords: Accidental exposure; HBV; HCV; HCW; HIV; PEP; healthcare workers; injuries; post-exposure prophylaxis.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: All authors – none to declare.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Serological status of the source
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. Anti-HBs titer in HCWs with occupational exposure to potentially contaminated blood or bodily fluids.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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