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  Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency
Virus), a spherical RNA virus of 100nm diameter.
The virus is inactivated by some chemicals (such as 0.1-0.2% sodium
hypochlorite, 0.01% glutaraldehyde for 60 minutes, 50-70% ethylic
alcohol), by pH values between 7 and 10, by a 60°C temperature applied
for 30 minutes. It endures UV and gamma irradiation. When in aqueous
solution it survives at room temperature for 15 days and at 37°C for 11
days.
The HIV virus is present in all bodily liquids and secretions and is
mainly spread by:
- the parenteral or percutaneous route
- the sexual route
- the vertical route
- the perinatal route
In the hospital environment the occupational transmission of HIV is the
same as that of HBV and HCV.
The occupational risk of HIV infection after percutaneous exposure to
infected blood is estimated to be around 0.3%, but it is significantly
higher if:
- the health worker's wound is deep
- there is evidence of blood on the tool responsible for the injury
- the tool responsible for the injury had been previously put in an
artery or vein of the infected patient
- there is a massive conjunctival contamination
- the patient source of infection dies of AIDS within 60 days from the
exposure of the health worker.
For additional information
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