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#virus #transmission #HBV #HIV #HCV

Risk of Transmission of Viruses in the Dental Office

Author(s): Dental News

In addition to the bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) — human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) — other viruses of concern in the dental office include rubella, mumps and measles viruses; the herpes viruses (herpes simplex virus [HSV] types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster, Epstein-Barr virus [EBV], cytomega lovirus and human herpes virus 6); human papilloma viruses; adenovirus; coxsackie viruses; and the upper respiratory tract pathogens (influenza A and B viruses, human parvovirus B19 and respiratory syncytial virus). Most of these are far more prevalent than the BBPs and many are of particular concern to nonimmune pregnant women1 and immunocompromised patients.2 Immunization of nonimmune health care workers is recommended to reduce the risk of infection with measles, mumps, rubella, polio, influenza, varicella-zoster and HBV.3 The recently introduced varicella-zoster vaccine is strongly recommended for those health care workers who treat children and medically compromised patients.4

Evidence for Transmission in the Dental Office

The evidence for viral transmission is based on the results of seroprevalence studies, epidemiologic investigations and case reports.

Respiratory Viral Infections

Seroprevalence studies5 have shown a higher prevalence of antibodies to influenza A and B viruses, respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus among dentists compared with controls. Annual immunization of dental workers against influenza is recommended to reduce the potential for transmission to patients, co-workers and family members.

Herpes Viruses

The herpes viruses cause persistent infection in most of the population and are shed in saliva. There is evidence of higher levels of antibodies to EBV in dentists and clinical dental students compared with preclinical dental students.6 There is also evidence of transmission of HSV to health care workers from patients2,7,8 and from dental workers to patients.9 This includes an outbreak of HSV-1 gingivostomatitis in 20 of 46 patients treated by a hygienist with a herpetic whitlow who did not use gloves. The potential for transmission of herpes virus via dental handpieces has also been demonstrated.10Reports of occupationally acquired HSV have become less frequent with the use of personal protective barriers.

Hepatitis Viruses

The hepatitis viruses of most concern to dentists are the bloodborne HBV, HCV and hepatitis D virus (HDV). HDV can occur only as a co-infection with HBV, and HBV immunization confers immunity to both HBV and HDV.11 There is evidence that hepatitis G virus (HGV) can be transmitted by....READ MORE 

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#virus #transmission #HBV #HIV #HCV
Risk of Transmission of Viruses in the Dental Office Dental News

In addition to the bloodborne pathogens (BBPs) — human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) — other viruses of concern in the dental o...

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