Simultaneous Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus from a Needle-Stick Injury

Abstract

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are blood-borne viruses that pose occupational hazards to health care workers exposed to the blood of infected patients. As of June 1996, 51 documented and 108 possible cases of occupationally acquired HIV infection had been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1 The estimated risk of acquiring HIV infection after percutaneous exposure to blood from an HIV-infected patient is 0.3 percent.2 Recommendations for follow-up after occupational exposure to HIV-infected blood include HIV-antibody testing at the time of exposure and periodically for at least six months thereafter. . . .