Accidental inoculation

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

An occupational exposure to HIV that occurs during the performance of job duties by a nurse or doctor, or other medical staff.

How does it happen?[edit | edit source]

Includes a needlestick or cut with a sharp object, contact of mucous membranes (mouth, eyes), or contact of skin (especially when the exposed skin is chapped, abraded, or afflicted with dermatitis--skin rash or sores--or the contact is prolonged or involves an extensive area) with blood, tissues, or other body fluids (stool, urine, vaginal secretions, saliva, mucous) to which universal precautions apply.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

History, physical examination and serological testing for HIV

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Post Exposure prophylaxis, or PEP. is the use of antiretroviral drugs after a single high-risk event to stop HIV seroconversion. PEP must be started as soon as possible to be effective—and always within 72 hours of a possible exposure.

CDC recommendations for PEP[edit | edit source]

Post Exposure Prophylaxis should start ideally within one hour as after 72 hours post-exposure PEP is much less effective,

Duration of PEP[edit | edit source]

Prophylactic treatment for HIV typically lasts four weeks.

Antibody testing[edit | edit source]

People who received PEP are typically advised to get an antibody test at 6 months post-exposure as well as the standard 3 month test.

Regimen used for PEP[edit | edit source]

  • The antiretroviral regimen used in PEP is the same as the standard highly active antiretroviral therapy used to treat AIDS.
  • People initiating PEP treatment typically receive a 28-day starter pack, as opposed to a 3-7 day starter pack, to facilitate strong medication adherence.
  • They should also be counseled on the unpleasant side effects including malaise, fatigue, diarrhea, headache, nausea and vomiting.

PreEP[edit | edit source]

  • People at high risk for re-exposure due to unprotected intercourse or other behavioral factors should be given PrEP, which would begin immediately after the completion of the nPEP treatment course.
  • Inversely, if a medically-adherent patient is already on PrEP upon non-occupational exposure, nPEP treatment is not necessary.

External links[edit | edit source]

See the detailed article on PEP

Prevention[edit | edit source]

Taking adequate precautions is key.

This article is a stub.

You can help WikiMD by registering to expand it.
Editing is available only to registered and verified users.
WikiMD is a comprehensive, free health & wellness encyclopedia.

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD