No transmission of blood-borne viruses among hospital staff despite frequent blood exposure

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to blood and body fluids (BBF) is a major concern for health-care workers (HCWs) and implies a risk of infection with blood-borne pathogens. However, in Denmark, no exposure incidence studies among HCWs have been reported for the past ten years. The aims of this study were to provide an updated evaluation of the annual frequency of registered exposures during the 2003-2012 period, the prevalence and incidence of transmission of HIV, HBV and HCV among HCWs, the prevalence of HIV, HBV and HCV among source patients, the follow-up by HBV vaccination and blood sampling in exposed HCWs and, finally, reporting habits.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: All registered first-time cases of BBF exposure at Odense University Hospital during the 2003-2012 period were included. The exposed HCW and source patient were linked to a laboratory database to obtain the test results for HIV, HBV, HCV and the anti-HBs level at baseline and after exposure. For 2012, a detailed analysis of BBF exposure was performed.

RESULTS: A total of 2,274 first-time BBF exposures were analysed. We observed a 35% increase in the reported incidence of exposures in the period. The prevalence and incidence of HIV, HBV and HCV among HCWs was zero. The prevalence of anti-HIV among source patients was 0.9%, HBsAg 1.2% and anti-HCV/HCV-RNA 3.8%. In 2003-2012, 31.3% of the tested HCWs had an anti-HBs ≥ 10 IU/l at baseline and this increased to 76.1% after vaccination. In 2012, 95% of the HCWs had blood samples at the time of exposure, 35% had a three-month blood test and 17% had a six-month test.

CONCLUSION: Despite a high rate of exposure to BBF among HCWs, the risk of infection was low.

FUNDING: no external funding received.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.