Post-exposure prophylaxis for blood borne viral infections in healthcare workers.
Healthcare workers have a high risk of occupational exposure, more so in developing countries, with high incidence of blood borne diseases and prevalence of unsafe practices. Among the various blood borne diseases, the most common and important ones are HIV infection, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Most of the occupational transmission can be prevented and the "standard precaution" has been shown to reduce exposures and hence the transmission of infection. Healthcare workers have to be educated about post-exposure prophylaxis and each institution needs to adopt a clear protocol.
Varghese
G M
GM
Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India. georgemvarghese@hotmail.com
Abraham
O C
OC
Mathai
D
D
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017848:Blood-Borne Pathogens; D006282:Health Personnel; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission
D000998:Antiviral Agents