Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate VI · Microbiology and Immunology · 04

Bloodborne diseases

Hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV are the main bloodborne threats in dentistry. After a needlestick, HBV transmits most readily (up to about 30% from an HBeAg-positive source), then HCV (about 1.8%), then HIV (about 0.3%). HBV can survive in dried blood on surfaces for at least 7 days, and there is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

High-yield facts · 6

  1. Hepatitis B is a DNA virus; it can survive in dried blood on surfaces for at least 7 days.S7
  2. Hepatitis C is an RNA virus with no vaccine; it is the most common chronic bloodborne infection in the US.S7
  3. HIV after a needlestick from an infected source carries about a 0.3% risk; mucous membrane exposure about 0.09%.S7
  4. HBV transmission risk after a needlestick is up to about 30% from an HBeAg-positive source; HCV about 1.8%.S7
  5. Hepatitis D needs HBV to replicate; hepatitis A and E spread by the fecal-oral route.S50
  6. HIV is diagnosed as AIDS at a CD4 count under 200 cells per microliter or with an AIDS-defining illness.S50

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.