Occupational risk of blood-borne viruses in healthcare workers: a 5-year surveillance program.
OBJECTIVE
This study presents the results of a 5-year surveillance program involving the prospective follow-up of healthcare workers (HCWs) in the Veneto region of Italy exposed to blood-borne viruses.


METHODS
All HCWs who reported an occupational exposure to blood-borne infection joined the surveillance program. Both HCWs and patients were tested for viral markers (hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg], antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen [anti-HBs], antibody to hepatitis B core antigen [anti-HBc], antibody to hepatitis C virus [anti-HCV], HCV RNA, and antibody to human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) and had these markers plus transaminases assayed at 3, 6, and 12 months and then yearly thereafter. Moreover, a program of hepatitis B virus (HBV) prophylaxis was offered to those whose anti-HBs levels were less than 10 IU/mL.


METHODS
Two hundred forty-five HCWs (156 women and 89 men) with a mean age of 37 (+/- 10) years who reported occupational exposure during the 5-year period.


RESULTS
At the time of exposure, 1 HCW was positive for HBsAg (0.4%) and 2 were positive for HCV RNA (0.8%). Among the patients involved, 28 (11.4%) were positive for HBsAg, 68 (27.8%) were positive for HCV RNA, 6 (2.4%) were positive for HIV, and 147 (60.0%) were negative for all viral markers (4 patients were positive for both HCV and HIV). During the follow-up period after exposure (mean, 2.7 [+/- 1.6] years), there was no increase in transaminases or seroconversions to any of the viral markers.


CONCLUSIONS
Our accurate postexposure follow-up revealed a lack of transmission of HBV, HCV, and HIV.
Baldo
Vincenzo
V
Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Institute of Hygiene, University of Padua, Italy.
Floreani
Annarosa
A
Dal Vecchio
Luigino
L
Cristofoletti
Marco
M
Carletti
Maristella
M
Majori
Silvia
S
Di Tommaso
Angela
A
Trivello
Renzo
R
D000328:Adult; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006282:Health Personnel; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016602:Needlestick Injuries; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011159:Population Surveillance