Needle stick injuries and postexposure prophylaxis for hepatitis B infection

Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health challenge as roughly a quarter of the world's population has serological evidence of past or present hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Healthcare personnel, who work in healthcare settings, represent a high-risk population for serious, potentially life-threatening Hepatitis B Virus infections. Needle stick injuries pose a serious risk for occupational transmission of hepatitis B virus and may occur during various procedures such as needle recapping, operative procedures, blood collection, intravenous line administration, blood sugar monitoring, and due to improper sharps/needle disposal. Infections acquired through occupational exposure are largely preventable through strict control measures such as the use of safe devices, proper waste disposal, immunization and prompt management of exposures including the use of Post Exposure Prophylaxis. The current review highlights the first aid management, reporting, baseline investigations as well as post exposure prophylaxis for Hepatitis B following needle stick injury.

Keywords

• blood borne infections
• first aid management
• hepatitis b
• needle stick injuries
• postexposure prophylaxis
• prevention
• vaccine nonresponder
• vaccine responder