Prevalence Of Blood-borne Infections Research Articles

The Impact of Needle and Syringe Exchange Programs on HIV-Related Risk Behaviors in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Examining Individual- Versus Community-Level Effects.

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of needle and syringe exchange programs (NSP) on both individual- and community-level needle-sharing behaviors and other HIV-related outcomes in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). A search of five databases for peer-reviewed trial or quasi-experimental studies reported through July 2021 identified 42 interventions delivered in 35 studies, with a total of 56,751 participants meeting inclusion criteria. Random-effects meta-analysis showed a significant protective association between NSP exposure and needle-sharing behaviors at the individual-level (odds ratio [OR] = 0.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.16-0.39, 8 trials, n = 3947) and community-level (OR 0.39, CI 0.22-0.69, 12 trials, n = 6850), although with significant heterogeneity. When stratified by needle-sharing directionality, NSP exposure remained associated with reduced receptive sharing, but not distributive sharing. NSP exposure was also associated with reduced HIV incidence and increased HIV testing but there were no consistent associations with prevalence of bloodborne infections. Current evidence suggests positive impacts of NSPs in LMICs.

Prevalence of blood-borne infections in forensic samples: Epidemiology in areas of Chiba, Japan

ObjectivesTo statistically clarify the prevalence and risk factors of infections in forensic autopsy cases in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. The aim was to improve preventive measures against infection in forensic autopsies. MethodsWe retrospectively investigated the positive detection rates of five infections (hepatitis B, HBV; hepatitis C, HCV; human immunodeficiency virus, HIV; human T-lymphotropic virus, HTLV; Treponema pallidum, TP) using 1491 samples obtained in forensic autopsy at our facility from 2014 to 2018. In addition, risk factors related to infection such as methamphetamine and tattoos were analyzed. Pearson's chi-square test was used for statistical analysis, and the difference was judged to be significant at p < 0.05. ResultsAmong our samples, 9.0% of cadavers tested positive for infection, and the prevalence rates for HBV, HCV, HIV, HTLV, and TP were 1.0%, 6.7%, 0.3%, 0.7%, and 1.1% respectively. Statistically, cadavers linked to information about methamphetamine use had a 7.2 times higher rate of infection, and those with tattoos had a 5.6 times higher rate of infection, with HCV being the predominant cause. ConclusionsTo limit the risk of infection among autopsy workers, cadavers and samples should be handled on the presupposition that the bodies are at risk of infections. It is also important to obtain as much information as possible about the medical history and potential illegal drug use to help assess the risk of infection in a patient during forensic autopsy. We propose that all autopsy cases should be screened for infections whenever possible.

The prevalence of bloodborne infections (hepatitis B and C, human immunodeficiency virus) among pediatric patients with oncological and hematological diseases and immunodeficiencies

Patients with oncological and hematological diseases are at high risk of acquiring bloodborne infections due to multiple blood transfusions and frequent parenteral exposure. In order to evaluate the prevalence of bloodborne infections (i. e., hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)), we analyzed data on the seroprevalence of these viruses in patients admitted to the D. Rogachev NMRCPHOI from 2014 to 2020. We also performed a comparative analysis between these data and the prevalence of these infections in the total child population in Russia. The study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee and the Scientific Council of the D. Rogachev NMRCPHOI. Among patients admitted to the D. Rogachev NMRCPHOI, the mean seroprevalence was 1.7% for hepatitis C, 0.2% for hepatitis B, and 0.1% for HIV. The seroprevalence of hepatitis B and C among our patients was 6 and 50 times higher than the prevalence among Russian children and adolescents, respectively. The prevalence of HIV among patients treated at the D. Rogachev NMRCPHOI was 3 times higher than that among the child and adolescent population in Russia. In patients with oncological and immunological diseases, the detection of HBV DNA, HCV RNA, and Anti-HBc is considered clinically useful and plays an important role in the diagnosis of occult hepatitis infections which cannot be identified with routine diagnostic tests. Our study with pediatric patients with oncological, hematological, and immunological diseases highlights the problem of nosocomial transmission of bloodborne pathogens. HCV transmission in medical facilities is the most pressing issue that requires the implementation of healthcare programs aimed at preventing parenteral transmission and at ensuring the safety of donated blood.

Problems of infectious safety of donor blood components

Problems of infectious safety of donor blood components

Risk factors for sharps injuries and the prevalence of blood borne infections among paramedics

Abstract Background Although paramedics constitute a group of medical professionals continually at risk for sharps injuries (SI), possibly resulting in occupationally acquired bloodborne infections (BBI), data on blood exposures in this group are rather scant. Objectives To assess the incidence and selected risk factors for SI and to estimate the prevalence of BBI among paramedics. Methods An anonymous cross-sectional serosurvey, with ELISA system used to detect anti-HBc/anti-HCV/anti-HIV, was conducted among paramedics from 10 randomly selected ambulance stations in West Pomerania, Poland, between December 2018-October 2019. Knowledge about infection-control procedures was assessed with the use of 10 multiple choice questions. Results Response rate: 93%. Among 286 participants (76.5% males, Me age 37 years, Me length of practice 14 years) 19.6% sustained ≥ 1 SI in the preceding year (Me = 6.0, range 1-100); 50.8% of incidents were not reported. Regarding the most recent SI - the most often it took place in an ambulance (45.9%), during an emergency procedure (76.3%) and was caused by a hollow-bore needle (60.7%); in 66.1% of cases the device did not have a safety feature. Risk factors for SI were as follows: 52.6% paramedics did not use safety engineered devices at work, 52.2% reported recapping a needle in the preceding year, 5.5% irregularly used gloves; 3.4% had never participated in infection control training. The mean knowledge score was 2.6. The lack of infection control training was associated with higher odds (OR 4.64) of a SI. HBV vaccination coverage was 95.6%. Anti-HBc were found in 7.3% participants, no anti-HCV/anti-HIV positive paramedics were recognized. Conclusions Frequent SI, about half of those unreported, are important risk factors which could contribute to occupational HBV infections reported among paramedics. The risk of SI could be reduced by supply with safety engineered devices, safe work practices and an adequate training in infection-control procedures. Key messages Most risk factors for sharps injuries among Polish paramedics are modifiable. Continuous exposure to sharps injuries should be taken into account while assessing paramedics’ risk for acquiring an occupational blood-borne infection.

Occupational accidents among healthcare workers in a tertiary health facility in Enugu state, South-East Nigeria

Background: The risk of acquiring blood borne infections by healthcare workers (HCWs) in developing countries is accentuated by the high prevalence of blood borne infections, poor provision of personal protective equipment (PPEs), negative socio-cultural factors and poorly maintained healthcare systems. The objective was to determine the prevalence of occupational accidents among HCWs in a tertiary health facility in Enugu state, South-East Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study that used mixed method technique. The quantitative data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire while an in-depth interview (IDI) guide was used for the qualitative data. Manual content analysis was done for the qualitative data while the quantitative data was analysed using SPSS version 22. The significance level placed at p&lt;0.05.Results: The prevalence of mucous membranes exposure to blood/body fluids were the same in the past 6 and 12 months (22.0%) while the mean number of exposures were 3.93±3.002 and 4.47±4.008 respectively. The prevalence of needle stick or sharps injury in the past 6 and 12 months were 17.0% and 23.0% while the mean numbers of injuries were 2.24±2.001 and 2.48±2.858 respectively. The injuries occurred majorly while recapping needles and breaking injection ampoules. Emergent themes from the IDI were also recapping of needles and breaking of injection ampoules.Conclusions: There is still high prevalence of occupational accidents among the studied HCWs training and re-training of HCWs on the dangers associated with these occupational accidents.

A multi-center study of the comparative evaluation of occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among health care workers in Edo central senatorial district, Nigeria

Introduction: according to the World Health Organization, annually, about 3-4million health care workers (HCWs) are exposed to blood and body fluids (BBFs). This accidental exposure may lead to infections by blood borne pathogens, in particular, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This is highly worrisome especially in developing countries like ours where the prevalence of blood borne infections are high and the standard precautions´ practices are poor. Objectives: to determine and compare the prevalence and pattern of occupational exposure to BBF among HCWs at the three level of health care.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV and Related Risk Factors in Contact Sportsmen in Zanjan: A Letter to Editor.

Prevalence of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV and Related Risk Factors in Contact Sportsmen in Zanjan: A Letter to Editor.

Características de los pacientes adictos a la heroína admitidos en un programa de tratamiento con metadona

Background and objetiveMethadone is largely used as the primary opioid substitution therapy for the treatment of heroin addiction; the objective of the study was to describe the clinical characteristics of heroin abusers admitted into a methadone maintenance program (MMP) in metropolitan Barcelona. MethodCross-sectional study in patients enrolled in MMP since its introduction in 1992 through December 2010. Socio-demographic data, drug use characteristics, prevalence of blood-borne infections (human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], and hepatitis B [HBV] and C [HCV]) and psychiatric co-morbidity were assessed at entry. ResultsOne thousand and six hundred seventy eight patients (82.8% male). A total of 608 (36.2%) patients were admitted during 1992-1996, 566 (33.7%) between 1997-2001, 305 (18.2%) between 2002-2006 and 199 (11.9%) in the last period. Age at admission to methadone increased significantly (28 years in period 1992-1996 vs. 37 years in the last period [P<.005]). The percentage of patients with a history of intravenous drug use decreased significantly (89.5% in first period vs. 56.4% in period 2007-2010 [P<.05]). Prevalence of HIV, HCV and HBV (HBcAb+) was 53.7, 73.6 and 61.3%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV decreased over time from 66.2% in first period to 43.5% in 2007-2010 (P<.05); the prevalence of HCV decreased significantly from 82.8% in 1992-1996 to 69.8% in last period (P<.05). Twenty five percent of patients had psychiatric co-morbidity at admission and the prevalence of psychiatric co-morbidity increased over time (21% in 1992-1996 and 32% in 2007-2010; P<.05). ConclusionAge at first opioid substitution therapy is increasing over time, as well as the proportion of patients with psychiatric co-morbidity. There were significant reductions in blood-borne infections.

Impact of method of recruitment of blood donors on the prevalence of HIV and HBV in Bukavu, DR Congo

To determine the impact of the mode of recruitment of blood donors on the prevalence of blood-borne infections (HIV and HBV). Retrospective cohort study, conducted in Bukavu (eastern DR Congo) 2001-2005. HBsAg and HIV tests were analyzed according to age, sex, type, and category of donors. Proportions were compared with Pearson Chi2 or Fisher's exact tests and Chi2 trend tests, and the strength of associations measured by odds ratios (and their 95% CI). Men accounted for 70.2% of the donors, and 88.3% were volunteers (n = 3292). Regular donors (n = 7442) provided 75% of the donations . The proportion of family donors decreased over time, from 14.3% in 2001 to 5.1% in 2005. HIV prevalence was 1% and that of HBsAg 3.7%. Prevalence rates were higher among new donors than among regular donors (HIV 1.9% versus 0.2% and HBsAg 7.3% versus 0.5%), among family donors than among volunteers (4.2% versus 1.6% for HIV and 9.9% versus 7% for HBs Ag, and among women than among men (2.8% versus 1.6%, OR = 1.79 [1.08-2.96]). Thus new women family donors were 3.75 times more likely to be HIV-positive as new volunteers who were women (OR = 3.75 [1.65-8.55]). The prevalence of HBsAg among new women donors was 5.8%, lower than among their male counterparts, 7.9% (OR = 0.71 [0.51-0.98]). Risk of contamination by seropositive donors was lowest for regular and volunteer blood donors.

Determination of Risk of Infection with Blood-borne Pathogens Following a Needlestick Injury in Hospital Workers

Our paper measures the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients at the University Hospital of Frankfurt/Main, and correlates the prevalence with risk factors for exposure to and infection of healthcare workers (HCWs). Individual risk assessments were calculated for exposed HCWs. Survey of patients admitted to a German University Hospital. Markers for HBV, HCV and HIV were studied and evaluated statistically. Data on needlestick injuries (NSIs) among HCWs were correlated with the prevalence of infectious patients. The HBV, HCV and HIV prevalence among patients at the University Hospital were 5.3% (n = 709/13 358), 5.8% (n = 1167/20 163) and 4.1% (n = 552/13 381), respectively. Our results indicate that the prevalence of blood-borne infections in patients was about nine times higher for HBV, approximately 15 times higher for HCV and approximately 82 times higher for HIV than in the overall German population. The highest risk of acquiring a blood-borne infection via NSI was found in the department of internal medicine due to increased prevalence of blood-borne pathogens in patients under treatment. While accidental NSIs were most frequent in surgery, the nominal risk of blood-borne virus infection was greatest in the field of internal medicine. The study underlines the importance of HBV vaccinations and access to HIV-post-exposure prophylaxis for HCWs as well as the use of anti-needlestick devices.

Hepatitis B vaccination in correctional health care workers

Data on bloodborne pathogen risk among health care workers (HCWs) employed in the correctional setting are sparse, even though the prevalence of bloodborne infections, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), among inmates is high. To address this, we determined prevalence and correlates of hepatitis B virus vaccination status in correctional health care workers (CHCWs) employed in 3 state correctional health care facilities. A confidential, self-administered cross-sectional survey was performed. Four hundred eleven (69.8%) of 588 eligible participants completed the survey. Of these, 264 (64.2%) reported receiving a primary hepatitis B (HB) vaccine series. Vaccination rates varied by state and by job category. Parenteral exposures were not uncommon; 8.6% (n = 24) of clinical CHCWs and 2.0% (n = 7) of nonclinical CHCWs reported one or more needlesticks in the 6-month period prior to the study. Among clinical staff, vaccination correlated with licensure (RN or MD) and race (white) and in nonclinical staff with history of close contact with HBV infected inmates and with needlestick injury. Although the HB vaccination rate among CHCWs was generally high, given their potential risk of exposure to HBV, universal vaccination should be encouraged and should include those nonclinicians with job duties that may involve potential exposure to blood/body fluids.

Surgery and AIDS

The cumulative risk of occupationally acquired infection after exposure of surgical personnel to blood is dependent on three factors: (1) the frequency and types of hazardous exposure encountered, (2) the risk of infection transmission associated with discrete exposures, and (3) the prevalence of blood-borne infections in the surgical patient population. In this issue, Panlilio et al 1 provide descriptive data quantifying the frequency and types of intraoperative exposure encountered at Grady Memorial Hospital, Atlanta, Ga. Their findings are remarkably consistent with the results of similar studies reported from San Francisco, Calif, and Albuquerque, NM. 2,3 Together, data from these three studies demonstrate unequivocally that occupational exposure to blood is a frequent occurrence. The data also provide strong evidence that a significant proportion of surgical exposures can and should be prevented. In the reported observational studies, percutaneous blood exposure occurred in 1.7% to 4.9% of surgical cases. 1-3 Estimating the risk