The most common modes of transmission include anal or vaginal sex, needle/drug injection sharing, perinatal transmission, and very, very rarely healthcare workplace transmission. However, oral sex, prechewed food for babies, biting, deep, open-mouth kissing, Anal or vaginal sex 11 HIV can be transmitted through sex with a person with HIV if there is no physical barrier protection such as a condom or pharmacologic barrier provided by antiretroviral treatment of an HIV+ person, or pre- exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for persons at-risk for acquiring HIV. Condomless anal sex carries the greatest risk for transmitting HIV. The receptive partner (bottom) has a higher risk than the inserting partner (top) because the lining of the rectum is thin and if disrupted may allow the virus to enter the body. The inserting partner Needle/drug equipment sharing People who share needles, syringes, and other drug injection equipment with individuals who have HIV are Perinatal transmission HIV can be transmitted from mothers to babies during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. This is the most common mode of transmission for children. 11 The prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission is considered one of the great public health successes Healthcare setting Although HIV can be transmitted in the healthcare setting from patient to provider, or provider to patient, it is extremely rare. 13 Careful practice of infection control procedures, including universal precautions (See Prevention Section) protects patients and providers from potential transmission in medical and dental settings. 13 Global data show that the probability of HIV transmission from a healthcare worker to a patient is extremely rare and varies depending on the source from approximately 2.4 to 24 per million medical procedures. 14 Important factors that influence the overall risk for occupational exposures of healthcare workers to blood borne pathogens include the prevalence of HIV in a patient population and the type and number of blood contacts. 13 Blood is the major and the strongest source of transmission of not only HIV but also other pathogens (e.g., hepatitis B, hepatitis C) and is the
and tattoos/body piercings are potentially rare modes of transmission. The risk of contracting HIV from blood transfusions, blood products, or organ/tissue transplants is extremely rare now due to rigorous testing of donated blood, organs, and tissues. 11 is at-risk, but to a lesser extent, because HIV can enter through the urethra of the penis, the foreskin, if the penis is not circumcised, or potentially small cuts, scratches, or open sores anywhere on the penis. Condomless vaginal sex is less risky compared to receptive anal sex, although both partners are at risk during vaginal sex. Vaginal sex is the most common mode of HIV transmission in women. Men can also contract HIV during vaginal sex because vaginal fluid and blood can carry the virus.
at-risk for contracting HIV. Injection equipment may contain blood that can carry the virus. 11
over the past 28 years. By employing preventative strategies, notably treating the HIV+ pregnant woman with ART, the HIV transmission rate from mother-to- child was reduced from between 25% and 42% to less than 1%. 12 major route of transmission in healthcare workers. Infection through semen and vaginal secretions for healthcare workers seems to be irrelevant, because contact with these fluids is minimal, and even during contact, protective gloves are worn which are sufficient to prevent infection. 14 One study estimated the risk of HIV transmission from percutaneous exposure (needlestick, sharp injuries, splashes leading to exposure of the skin or mucosa to blood) to infected blood to be approximately 0.1% to 0.3% for each exposure. The CDC estimates one seroconversion for every 200 contaminated needlesticks. The literature suggests that the probability of HIV infection by needle injury ranges from 0.03% to 0.3%, which increases with the depth of injuries, volume of inoculated blood, and hollow-bore needle injuries. 14 infectious for HIV, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus and other bloodborne pathogens. Universal precautions are intended to prevent parenteral, mucous membrane, and nonintact skin exposures of healthcare workers to bloodborne pathogens. 15 Universal precautions do not apply to sputum, feces, sweat, vomit, tears, urine, or nasal secretions unless they are visibly contaminated with blood. 16
PREVENTION Infection control/universal precautions in the healthcare setting Although the risk of HIV transmission in the healthcare setting is very low, all healthcare workers must
observe precautions to prevent transmission. Every patient that undergoes a medical procedure should be considered to be a possible carrier of several blood-borne infectious disease, including HIV. 14 Universal precautions were introduced by the CDC in 1987 and clarified in 1988 primarily in response to HIV. 15 Under universal precautions, blood and certain body fluids from all patients are considered potentially
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Book Code: CT24CME
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