HIV/AIDS among injecting drug users: A review on epidemiology and management of occupational exposure in Iranian health network setting

Abstract

Context: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) concentrated in injecting drug users (IDUs) is a major public health in Iran as well as throughout the world. Health care workers (HCW) are occupationally at the risk of HIV infection. The aim of this article is to review the information about the IDUs, epidemiology, diagnosis, natural course of infection, immunopathogenesis, and occupational risks associated with managing HIV in the health care workplace. Evidence Acquisition: Information obtained from previous investigation on HIV infection has yielded a better knowledge about HIV. Results: Because HCWs are at the risk of HIV infection from IDUs attending the health care units, knowledge about preventive strategy and the efficacy of post exposure anti-viral therapy enables general physicians to manage these every moment events. Conclusions: Based on existing data, HIV infection surveillance, performance of standard precaution, and post exposure prophylaxis with anti-retroviral drugs outlined in this review article represent reasonable interim approaches to this complex problem. © 2013, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences; Published by Kowsar Corp.