Occupational HIV Infection in a Research Laboratory With Unknown Mode of Transmission: A Case Report

Clin Infect Dis. 2017 Mar 15;64(6):810-813. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciw851.

Abstract

A laboratory worker was infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 in a biosafety level 2 containment facility, without any apparent breach. Through full-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, we could identify the source of infection in a replication-competent clone that unknowingly contaminated a safe experiment. Mode of transmission remains unclear. Caution is warranted when handling HIV-derived constructs.

Keywords: HIV transmission.; HIV-1; laboratory safety; occupational exposure.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • HIV Antibodies / immunology
  • HIV Infections / diagnosis
  • HIV Infections / etiology*
  • HIV Infections / transmission*
  • HIV-1 / classification
  • HIV-1 / genetics
  • Health Personnel*
  • Humans
  • Laboratories*
  • Neutralization Tests
  • Occupational Exposure / adverse effects*
  • Phylogeny
  • RNA, Viral
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA
  • Viral Load

Substances

  • HIV Antibodies
  • RNA, Viral