Question 3

Which viruses are blood-borne and what are the risks of

transmission via needle-stick injury?
Blood-borne viruses are viruses in human blood that may cause severe
disease in certain individuals and few to no symptoms in others. These
viruses may be spread from person to person, whether or not the carrier is ill
or exhibit any symptoms, and the viruses are not only found in the vascular
compartment of the body but may also be found in other body fluids, mainly
semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. The main blood-borne viruses of
concern include Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and Hepatitis D (HDV);
which all cause hepatitis, and also Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
which causes AIDS that affects the body's immune system.
Blood-borne viruses are mainly transmitted sexually or by direct
exposure to infected blood or other body fluids which are in contact with
contaminated blood. In the work-place as in Mary's case, direct exposure
may occur through accidental penetration of the skin with a sharp
instrument such as a contaminated-blood smeared needle or broken glass, or
the contaminated blood may infect open wounds and skin abrasions or
damages and it may splash in the eye, nose and mouth of un-infected
persons. Factors that affect the risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses
through needle stick includes the type of injury (deep or shallow), the viral
load of the infected patient at the time of injury and the viral load of the

needle after being used on the infected patient. The highest risk is
encountered with the use of hollow-bore needles with visible traces of fresh
blood , and the risk is greatest for HBV and HCV contaminated needles, while
HIV presents the lowest risk. The risk of transmission via needle-stick injury
is basically dependent on the factors which influence exposure to the greater
volume of contaminated blood, viral load of the infected person, postexposure prophylaxis and also the type of injection equipment involved.

Studies have estimated that the risk of HIV transmission from a single
needle-stick injury with HIV contaminated blood is approximately

0.36% (www.aidsmap.com).
The risk of transmission after needle-stick injury exposure to Hepatitis

B is approximately 30% (osha.europa.eu)

The risk of transmission after needle-stick injury exposure to Hepatitis
C is approximately 10% (osha.europa.eu)

References

European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (2007). Risk

Assessment and Needle-stick Injuries. Retrieved from:

https://osha.europa.eu.
Bowden J. F. (2001). Needle-stick Injuries in Primary Care. Retrieved

from: http://www.australianprescriber.com
NAM-aidsmap
(2014).
Risk
of

http://www.aidsmap.com
Health and Safety Executive (2001). Blood-borne Viruses in the

Infection.

Retrieved:

Workplace- Guidance for Employers and Employees. Crown, United

Kingdom.
United States Department of Labor (2014). Blood-borne Pathogens and
Neddle-stick Infection. Retrieved from: https://www.osha.gov.