The Prevalence of HIV Seroconversion in Healthcare Workers Following Sharp Injuries and Exposure to Biofluids.

Background and objective Workplace accidents (WPAs) are a common problem worldwide. They are often considered a public health concern due to the potential transmission of infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C through sharp devices or direct exposure to biofluids. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) has demonstrated effectiveness in such instances, especially immediately after exposure. The present study aimed to report the prevalence rate of HIV seroconversion following such exposure among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study involving a database analysis of cases from 2015 to 2024. Central tendency measures were used to describe population characteristics, and rates were calculated using standard methods. Results A total of 514 HCWs were included in the study. The prevalence of WPAs was 13 per 100 HCWs. Regarding WPAs related to HIV exposure, the prevalence was 0.9 per 100 HCWs, with 0% seroconversion thanks to timely PEP. Conclusions WPAs related to HIV exposure are a serious issue for public health systems worldwide. Although protocols are available and no seroconversion cases were reported in the present study, PEP is not always accessible in several settings, increasing the risk of seroconversion. International public policy measures should be uniformly implemented to provide faster access to prophylaxis, educate the personnel, raise awareness about bloodborne diseases, and reduce excessive red tape.

Sífilis congénita atípica con doble VDRL negativo materno. Reporte de un caso / Atypical congenital syphilis with a double negative VDRL from the mother. A case report

Resumen INTRODUCCIÓN: La sífilis es una infección de trasmisión sexual adquirida a través de una trasfusión sanguínea, por contacto directo con una lesión activa o por vía vertical. La infección puede trasmitirse al feto en cualquier momento del embarazo. Cada año se registran en el mundo 749,000 casos de sífilis congénita. En México, del 2007 al 2017, se reportaron 1030 casos de sífilis congénita (media de 90.6 casos por año). En 50 a 80% de los casos hay complicaciones materno-fetales. OBJETIVO: Reportar un caso clínico de sífilis congénita temprana, con pénfigo bulloso y descamación al nacimiento. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 25 años, con antecedente de cuatro embarazos, dos partos y un aborto, previamente sana, con control prenatal y pruebas de VDRL y VIH negativas. Los dos últimos embarazos finalizaron con recién nacido, ambos de sexo femenino, con lesiones ampollosas decapitadas, placas blanquecinas de aspecto áspero elevadas sobre una base eritematosa, eritema con descamación gruesa en las manos y pies, y descamación fina generalizada. Ante la sospecha de sífilis congénita se inició la administración de 50,000 UI/kg de penicilina G cristalina por vía intravenosa cada 12 h. La sospecha de sífilis congénita se confirmó. La paciente se dio de alta con citas de seguimiento en la consulta externa. CONCLUSIONES: El control prenatal adecuado, con una o dos pruebas para sífilis, no es suficiente para prevenir la forma congénita. Es necesario el análisis de los casos para encontrar opciones e implementar estrategias de salud pública que prevengan nuevos casos.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection acquired through blood transfusion, by direct contact with an active lesion or by the vertical route. The infection can be transmitted to the fetus at any time during pregnancy. Each year, 749,000 cases of congenital syphilis are reported worldwide. In Mexico, from 2007 to 2017, 1030 cases of congenital syphilis were reported (average of 90.6 cases per year). In 50 to 80% of cases there are maternal-fetal complications. OBJECTIVE: To report a clinical case of early congenital syphilis with bullous pemphigus and desquamation at birth. CLINICAL CASE: 25-year-old patient, with a history of four pregnancies, two deliveries and one abortion, previously healthy, with prenatal control and negative VDRL and HIV tests. The last two pregnancies ended with a newborn, both female, with decapitated blistering lesions, whitish plaques of rough appearance raised on an erythematous base, erythema with thick desquamation on the hands and feet, and generalized fine desquamation. Suspecting congenital syphilis, 50,000 IU/kg of crystalline penicillin G intravenously every 12 h was started. The suspicion of congenital syphilis was confirmed. The patient was discharged with follow-up outpatient appointments. CONCLUSIONS: Adequate prenatal screening, with one or two tests for syphilis, is not sufficient to prevent the congenital form. Case analysis is necessary to find options and implement public health strategies to prevent new cases.