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Blood-borne infections in healthcare workers in South Africa
Abstract
The risks associated with infection of healthcare workers and students with blood-borne pathogens, specifically HIV, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, are often neglected. South Africa (SA) currently has no official policies or guidelines in place for the prevention and management of these infections. This article reviews the available data and international guidelines with regard to infected healthcare practitioners and makes minimum recommendations for the SA setting.
Authors' affiliations
Theresa M Rossouw, Departments of Family Medicine and Immunology, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Marietjie van Rooyen, Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa
J Murray Louw, Department of Family Medicine, University of Pretoria, South Africa
Karin Louise Richter, Department of Medical Virology, University of Pretoria and National Health Laboratory Service, South Africa
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Article History
Date published: 2014-07-01
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