Bloodborne pathogen exposure risk among surgeons in sub-Saharan Africa

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2007 Dec;28(12):1334-6. doi: 10.1086/522681. Epub 2007 Oct 22.

Abstract

To document the frequency and circumstances of bloodborne pathogen exposures among surgeons in sub-Saharan Africa, we surveyed surgeons attending the 2006 Pan-African Association of Surgeons conference. During the previous year, surgeons sustained a mean of 3.1 percutaneous injuries, which were typically caused by suture needles. They sustained a mean of 4.1 exposures to blood and body fluid, predominantly from blood splashes to the eyes. Fewer than half of the respondents reported completion of hepatitis B vaccination, and postexposure prophylaxis for human immunodeficiency virus was widely available. Surgeons reported using hands-free passing and blunt suture needles. Non-fluid-resistant cotton gowns and masks were the barrier garments worn most frequently.

MeSH terms

  • Africa South of the Sahara / epidemiology
  • Blood-Borne Pathogens*
  • Data Collection
  • General Surgery*
  • Hepatitis B Vaccines / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / statistics & numerical data*
  • Needlestick Injuries / epidemiology
  • Occupational Exposure*
  • Physicians

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Vaccines