title: The ostrich syndrome: obstetrician gynecologists and human immunodeficiency virus exposure.
abstract: Obstetrician-gynecologists and midwives as well as surgical and labor and delivery staff are at risk for contact with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but measures can be taken to reduce the risk of exposure and transmission. Physician denial of exposure is common. Prompt identification of exposure, including rapid testing of index patients of unknown HIV status, combined with prompt initiation of prophylactic medication, may reduce transmission by 81%.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. jlevison@bcm.edu
authors.forename: Judy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Levison
mesh_terms: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis / Q000379:methods; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005260:Female; D005932:Gloves, Surgical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data / Q000821:virology; D006176:Gynecology; D006678:HIV / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D017758:Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016602:Needlestick Injuries / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000821:virology; D009774:Obstetrics; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents