Low HIV Risk Does Not Mean NO HIV Risk — Malaysia Patient Guide

Overview

This independent guide from DTAPclinic covers STD and HIV testing, prevention, and clinic visit expectations for readers in Malaysia. Below we explain low hiv risk does not mean no hiv risk — malaysia patient guide in accessible language. Content is for education only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or a substitute for care from a registered provider.

As we approach the year-end festivities and parties, I am reminded of an article published more than 5 years ago on HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) scares amidst getting a needle stick injury from infected blood. http://news.asiaone.com/News/AsiaOne+News/Malaysia/Story/A1Story20110801-292087.html The story above went that a partygoer had been going to famous clubs and jabbing people with an HIV tainted syringe, presumably of her own blood, to take revenge on them. The following excerpt reproduced from the AsiaOne article, explains this risk further Quoting Professor Roy Chan, president of voluntary organization Action for Aids , said it is possible for HIV to be contracted in the way described. But for that to happen, the blood has to be injected within a few hours of it being drawn from the infected person. “The needle must also penetrate the skin of the victim and reach some blood deposits. “And it is possible for people who have been exposed to tainted blood to seek post-exposure treatment within the first day or two at a hospital to reduce the risk of contracting the infection,” Prof Chan told TNP.

What are the odds?

So realistically what are the exact numbers and risk for such exposure? There haven't been any studies of HIV infected needle transmissions studied outside the healthcare setting but the numbers in a comprehensive study are: Blood Transfusion – 9250/10000 or 93% risk Needlestick – 23/10000 or 0.23% risk Needle sharing – 63/10000 or 0.63% risk So far there hasn't been any case reported or recorded, in the world of a successful HIV transmission from a needlestick attack or a needlestick injury outside the healthcare setting

So What about Tattoos or Piercings?

Again through numerous studies, the risk of HIV transmission through tattoos and piercings depend on a number of factors. Mainly the sterilization techniques of the equipment used. Transmission occurs if the equipment (needles/tattoo gun) were contaminated with blood from a previously tattooed individual who carried HIV. Or even the use of dyes, wiping material (sponges/clothes) contaminated with blood. These are liquid solutions where at room temperature HIV virus may remain for up to 2 weeks This percentage again is closely associated with the needlestick injury risk of 0.23%. That said, repeated use of the needle/tattoo gun for the process does increase the overall risk percentage

What is the take-home message?

Around the world, HIV is a disease that has a stigma in society. And surrounding this stigma is a lot of unknowns and ultimately fear. Only recently again in 2018 the media picks up on such another case in India where HIV transmission occurred during a blood transfusion. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/pregnant-woman-in-india-contracts-hiv-after-blood-transfusion-in-11063528 The good news is that in Malaysia, all blood products are tested and screened by the authorities If you suspect an episode which could lead to a possible HIV risk – tainted needle, needle attack, transfusion error, do speak to your doctors early to discuss this risk with us. If within 72 hours, there are options such as HIV Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) which can significantly decrease the risk of HIV transmission by more than 90%

Low HIV Risk Doesn’t Mean NO Risk

From all of us at Dr Tan and Partners, stay safe and enjoy your festive season. Take Care! Make An Appointment | Find A Doctor

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References

Padian N Transmission of HIV Possibly Associated with Exposure of Mucous Membrane to Contaminated Blood. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep11;46(27): 620-3, July, 1997 Bernard EJ Texas jury concludes saliva of HIV-positive man a “deadly weapon”, sentenced to 35 yrs jail. com, available online at: www.aidsmap.com/page/1430404/, 16 May 2008 Pretty IA et al. Human bites and the risk of human immunodeficiency virus transmission. Am J Forensic Med Pathol. 20(3):232-9, 1999 Gilbart VL Unusual HIV transmissions through blood contact: analysis of cases reported in the United Kingdom to December 1997. Communicable Disease and Public Health 1: 108-13, 1998 Baggaley RF Risk of HIV-1 transmission for parenteral exposure and blood transfusion: a systematic review and meta-analysis. AIDS 20(6): 805-812, 2006 Nishioka SA, Gyorkos TW. Tattoos as risk factors for transfusion- transmitted diseases. International Journal of Infectious Diseases 2001;5(1):27-34. Messahel A, Musgrove B. Infective complications of tattooing and skin piercing. Journal of Infection and Public Health 2009;2(1):7-13. Garland SM, Ung L, Vujovic OV, Said JM. Cosmetic tattooing: A potential transmission route for HIV? Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecolo- gy 2006;46(5):458-9.