[Occupational and non occupational exposure to viral risk]

Abstract

The transmission of an infectious disease can occur through exposure to blood or other potentially infectious body fluids, particularly in the event of skin-puncture injuries for healthcare workers, and during sexual intercourse. These situations are known as accidental blood exposures and sexual exposures respectively. Combined actions carried out have allowed to significantly reduce risks, either to healthcare professionals (by standard precautions, provision of safety devices, Hepatitis B vaccination made compulsory in the 1990s, antiretroviral post-exposure prophylaxis that should be initiated as soon as possible after exposure), or to people engaging in unprotected sex (by prevention messages, condom promotion, and antiretroviral post-exposure prophylaxis). In any case, treatment of people infected by chronic diseases such as HBV or HIV, as well as possible drug eradication of HCV, are key for decreasing post-exposure risk of disease transmission. Post-exposure prophylaxis should be initiated as early as possible and intended for use only in patients with high-risk exposures. Knowledge of source person serostatus, information of exposed person on prevention, benefits and risks of treatment, and follow-up procedure are key points. Procedures to be followed in the event of an exposure must be known by all. Arrangements set up to allow risk assessment and management of exposed people rely on hospital services operating on a permanent basis.

Keywords: Accident d’exposition au sang; Accident d’exposition sexuelle; Accidental blood exposure; HBV; HCV; Post-exposure prophylaxis. HIV; Sexual exposure; Traitement postexposition; VHB; VHC; VIH.