[Risk and prevention of transmission of HIV in employees of health and nursing occupations].

According to cautious estimations some 60,000-120,000 HIV-infected persons are currently living in the FRG. The presence of HIV in almost every body fluid has lead to a lively discussion about the potential of a nosocomial infection of health care workers caring for HIV-infected and AIDS patients. The results of ongoing studies show the seroconversion rate after exposure being less than 1%. This is considerably lower than the risk of acquiring a hepatitis B infection after exposure to HBs-Ag-positive blood. Until now 15 proven cases of nosocomial HIV infection have been reported in the literature. Ten cases were needle stick injuries. Therefore, particular attention is necessary while handling needles. In the age of the HIV epidemic no previously unknown precautions have to be taken, however, health care personnel should be aware of the importance of the classical rules of hospital hygiene which have been neglected in recent years. If an exposure to HIV with a contaminated needle has happened a short time prophylaxis with zidovudine seems justified.