Abstract
The seroprevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among patients attending the dental clinic of the Federal School of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu, was determined. Venous blood samples collected from 100 patients (46 females, 54 males) were screened for HIV using the HIV 1⁄2 rapid test strip (ACON, USA) and the Determined HIV 1⁄2 (Abbott, Japan). Structured questionnaires were also administered to Dental Surgeons and Dental Surgery Assistants to ascertain their infection control knowledge and practice. Out of the 100 patients screened, 4% tested positive, with males constituting over 70% of the overall prevalence. Also, patients within the age range 21-30 years accounted for the highest prevalence. The infection control knowledge/practice of the Dental Professionals was dismally low. This study underscores the urgent need for strict observance of the universal precautionary measures while handling patients of unknown HIV status. The need for routine infection control training for DentalProfessionals is hereby emphasized.
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