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1996-01-30
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Document 0425
DOCN M9610425
TI Viral hazards to and from health care workers.
DT 9601
AU Jeffries DJ; Department of Virology, Medical College of St
Bartholomew's; Hospital, West Smithfield, London, UK.
SO J Hosp Infect. 1995 Jun;30 Suppl:140-55. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE
MED/96035340
AB Much attention has been directed towards nosocomial transmission of
viruses as a result of clear evidence of patient-to-staff and
staff-to-patient transmission of the blood-borne viruses HIV and
hepatitis B virus. Although the relatively long incubation periods of
these viruses, together with the frequency of asymptomatic infections,
renders problems for surveillance it has been possible to study modes of
transmission and levels of risk over a number of years. Information on
trends of incidence of other nosocomial virus infections has been
difficult to obtain for a number of reasons. Often, an outbreak in the
health care setting parallels an epidemic in the community. Although it
may be possible to define nosocomial transmission from recording dates
of onset of illness relative to admission date and, at times,
demonstrate circulation of a common strain by molecular techniques, the
relative contributions of patient-to-staff and staff-to-patient
transmission may be difficult to clarify. In this review, details are
presented of the major viruses associated with nosocomial transmission
with examples of infections to and from staff where these have occurred.
The major defences against patient-to-staff and staff-to-patient
transmission are awareness of potential risks, education and adherence
to infection control policies, immunization of staff, effective
decontamination and sterilization and the adoption of 'Universal
Precautions' in patient care. In addition, there may be occasions when
additional measures should be considered including isolation, cohorting
and the use of specific chemo- and immunoprophylaxis.
DE Blood-Borne Pathogens Communicable Diseases/VIROLOGY *Disease
Transmission, Patient-to-Professional *Disease Transmission,
Professional-to-Patient Enterovirus Infections/VIROLOGY Hemorrhagic
Fevers, Viral/VIROLOGY Herpesviridae Infections/VIROLOGY Human
Respiratory Tract Infections/VIROLOGY Virus Diseases/*TRANSMISSION
JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW REVIEW, TUTORIAL
SOURCE: National Library of Medicine. NOTICE: This material may be
protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).