Document 0301
 DOCN  M9590301
 TI    Investigation of transmission of blood-borne viruses.
 DT    9509
 AU    Chant K; Public Health Unit, SWSAHS, Liverpool, NSW.
 SO    Annu Conf Australas Soc HIV Med. 1994 Nov 3-6;6:206 (unnumbered
       abstract). Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ASHM6/95291798
 AB    The potential for transmission of blood-borne viruses in settings with
       poor infection control practices has been well recognised. Today we are
       becoming increasingly aware of the potential for the transmission of
       blood-borne viruses in settings where infection control procedures are
       widely practised. This increasing awareness has in part been prompted by
       two recent investigations undertaken in NSW. The first related to
       possible patient-to-patient transmission of human immunodeficiency virus
       (HIV) to 4 patients undergoing excision of skin lesions in an office
       practice and the second related to possible patient-to-patient
       transmission of hepatitis C involving four patients undergoing surgical
       procedures in a private hospital. Both investigations emphasise the need
       to collect accurate risk factor histories from patients with blood-borne
       viruses and the importance of not discounting the possibility of unusual
       or previously unreported modes of transmission. The selective
       investigation of individuals without conventional risk factors for
       infection with their consent may add to our understanding of viral
       transmission. However the decision to proceed with an investigation
       requires a consideration of the weight of the evidence, the resource
       implications of the investigation, the likelihood of contributing to new
       knowledge and public health implications. Most investigations of
       nosocomial transmission of blood-borne viruses fail to identify a
       precise mechanism of transmission. In both investigations no clear
       mechanism was identified although some likely modes of transmission were
       postulated. The risk factor status of the probable source patient in
       both investigations was not known to the treating clinicians at the time
       of the procedure, thus reinforcing the importance of the principle of
       universal precautions. Finally investigations of this nature demonstrate
       the importance of infection control practices and procedures in
       preventing the transmission of blood-borne viruses in health care
       settings and the need to have a mechanism for their regular review.
 DE    *Blood-Borne Pathogens  Cross Infection/PREVENTION &
       CONTROL/*TRANSMISSION  *Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional
       Human  HIV Infections/PREVENTION & CONTROL/*TRANSMISSION  New South
       Wales  Occupational Diseases/*ETIOLOGY/PREVENTION & CONTROL  *Patient
       Care Team  Risk Factors  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).