HIV Infection in Healthcare Workers and Recommendations for Prevention

Today it is reported that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection effects 15-16 million people and its prognosis is fatal. Transmission of HIV is similar to the bloodborn pathogens. As the incidence of HIV infection in the hospitalized population increase, the risk of the healthcare workers increases as well. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) determines universal precautions and recommends to use appropriate barriers to prevent percutaneous or nonintact skin and mucous membrane exposure to blood and body fluids. The use of zidovudine (ZDV) for postexposure HIV prophylaxis is recommended, but not routinely used today