Blood borne pathogens

Question 1

Describe hepatitis B

Answer 1

It is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease

Question 2

How can hepatitis B be transmitted?

Answer 2

The virus is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery as well as through contact with blood or other body fluids during sex with an infected partner, unsafe injections or exposures to sharp instruments

Question 3

How can hepatitis B be prevented?

Answer 3

It can be prevented by vaccines that are safe, available and effective

Question 4

Describe the symptoms of hepatitis B

Answer 4

• Most of those infected do not experience symptoms
• Some experience several weeks of jaundice, dark urine, extreme fatigue, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain
• Acute HBV infections can cause liver failure and death
• Chronic and long-term complications of HBV are cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma associated with high morbidity and mortality

Question 5

Describe treatment for hepatitis B

Answer 5

• No specific treatment for acute HBV
• Otherwise, management of vomiting and diarrhoea
• Liver function is being challenged by HBV infection therefore avoid unnecessary medications especially those associated with liver challange/damage - acetaminophen, PCM and anti vomiting medications

Question 6

Describe hepatitis B prevention

Answer 6

• HBV vaccination preferably within 24 hours of birth in highly endemic areas and for those newborns at high risk. Followed by 2 or 3 doses at least 4 weeks apart. Protection at least 20 years and probably life long
• The WHO recommends antiviral prophylaxis to prevent transmission from infected mother to unborn child
• Adherence to and introduction of blood safety measures

Question 7

Describe hepatitis C

Answer 7

It is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus

Question 8

How is HCV transmitted?

Answer 8

Bloodborne commonly through:

• Re-use and inadequate sterilization of medical equipment in healthcare settings
• Unscreened blood products
• Injectable drug users and needle sharing

Lees common but can be transferred from mother to child and multiple sexual partners

Question 9

What are the symptoms of hepatitis C?

Answer 9

• ~80% of those infected are asymptomatic
• Symptoms in remainder may include fever, fatigue, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, pale faeces, joint pain, jaundice

Question 10

How can HCV be prevented?

Answer 10

• No vaccine
• Safe handling and disposal of blood contaminated materials especially sharps
• Safe and appropriate use of healthcare injections
• Provision of harm reducing services for people who inject drugs
• Testing donated blood for HBV and HCV as well as HIV and syphilis
• Prevention of exposure to blood during sex

Question 11

What does HIV stand for?

Answer 11

Human immunodeficiency virus

Question 12

How can HIV be transmitted?

Answer 12

• Exchange of body fluids, breast milk, semen, vaginal secretions
• Mother-child during pregnancy and delivery

Question 13

What are some HIV risk factors?

Answer 13

• Unprotected sex
• Positive for other STD’s
• Sharing contaminated needles, syringes, other injecting equipment
• Unsafe injections, blood transfusions, tissue transplantation and medical procedures that involve un-sterile equipment
• Accidental needle stick injuries among healthcare workers