CUTTING COST 2

OT accidents 2 WHAT IS HIV INFECTION?
THE VIRUS
The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first described in 1981 and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was first identified in 1983. - Antibody tests were developed which revealed the HIV status of the individual. - In 1986 a second strain, HIV 2, was isolated .

- Like hepatitis B, the virus is present in blood and body fluids, but unlike hepatitis B is relatively easily destroyed outside the body, and is not as infectious as the hepatitis B virus.

- Infection of the surgeon can occur from contamination from infected blood or body fluids, either through an open wound, or from a puncture wound like a needle-stick injury.

- Following infection there is an asymptomatic period during which antibody to the virus is not yet present in the blood, and thus HIV tests will be negative. - After approximately 6 months the infected individual may seroconvert, and the HIV antibody be detected.

- A high proportion will then progress to develop AIDS.
LOOK FOR
- A common presenting feature is AIDS sufferers is the Kaposi sarcoma, with an incidence of between 25%and 50%.
Biopsy of such lesions may be the first indicator for the surgeon that the patient has this disease.
- Kaposi sarcomas present as pink to purple blotches like a bruise or blood blister. They may be flat or raised. .
SURGEON’S RISK. Despite the worry of surgeons about risks of infection, these risks are small.
- The prevalence rate of HIV 0.3-7% in our country. Surgeons have been shown to contaminate themselves with blood in 8.7% cases, and sustain penetrating injuries in 1.7% cases The transmission rate is 0.3-0.4%, yet statistically the risk of sero-conversion for a surgeon is one infection every 8 years in a high-risk area with a case-load of 15000 patients per year. As small as one infection every 80 years, in a low risk area. Thus the risk to surgeon at work, is exceptionally low
How ever it wise to; Wear a plastic apron under the gown
Wear eye & face protection mask
Double gloves in all cases of suspected HIV.
Any questions be sent to drmmkapur@gmail.com
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