The occurrence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and unsuspected human immunodeficiency virus in burn patients.
Although the risk of nosocomial transmission of human immunodeficiency virus remains low, burn center personnel may be at greater risk. Approximately 10% of burn patients admitted to an urban center were found to be positive to the human immunodeficiency virus, consistent with other findings of increased prevalence in trauma patients. "Universal" precautions adequate for other health care settings may not be sufficient in the burn center. Knowledge of a patient's human immunodeficiency virus status has important treatment implications.
Hammond
J
J
Department of Surgery, University of Miami, FL 33101.
Ward
C G
CG
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002053:Burn Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006679:HIV Seropositivity / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D011482:Protective Devices; D012449:Safety