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Comparative Study
. 2019 Jan;101(1):42-46.
doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2018.09.005. Epub 2018 Sep 18.

Post-exposure prophylaxis for Middle East respiratory syndrome in healthcare workers

S Y Park  1 , J S Lee  2 , J S Son  3 , J H Ko  4 , K R Peck  4 , Y Jung  5 , H J Woo  6 , Y S Joo  7 , J S Eom  1 , H Shi  1
Affiliations
Comparative Study

Post-exposure prophylaxis for Middle East respiratory syndrome in healthcare workers

S Y Park et al. J Hosp Infect. 2019 Jan.

Abstract

An effective post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) strategy may limit the spread of infection. However, there is no consensus regarding PEP for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection. This study assessed the efficacy of ribavirin and lopinavir/ritonavir as PEP for healthcare workers (HCWs) exposed to patients with severe MERS-CoV pre-isolation pneumonia. The safety of the PEP regimen was assessed. HCWs with high-risk exposure to MERS-CoV pre-isolation pneumonia were retrospectively enrolled. HCWs who received PEP therapy were classified into the PEP group. PEP therapy was associated with a 40% decrease in the risk of infection. There were no severe adverse events during PEP therapy.

Keywords: Healthcare worker; High-risk exposure; Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus; Outbreak; Post-exposure prophylaxis; Pre-isolation pneumonia.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study profile. MERS-CoV, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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