Guidelines for the prevention of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission often
include a warning against sharing razors, nail care equipment, toothbrushes,
and other personal items that may come into contact with blood. While
studies clearly show that HBV can be transmitted through sharing needles and
other drug-injection equipment, the risk of sharing personal care items is
less certain.
At the 46th Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and
Chemotherapy, taking place this week in San Francisco, researchers presented
data from a study evaluating the role of shared razors in the spread of
hepatitis B in Turkey.
The researchers noted that while the route of transmission of HBV is mainly
parenteral (direct blood contact), epidemiological studies have shown that
perinatal (mother-to-child), sexual, household, and occupational
transmission also occur. In about half of all cases in Turkey, the
transmission route is unknown.
In this study, 78 used razor blades were purchased from different barber
shops; 8 used razor blades from chronic hepatitis B patients were used as
positive controls. Razors were placed in DNAse- and RNAse-free test tubes,
and HBV amplification and detection were performed using a nested PCR method
in a thermal cycler.
The researchers found that 6 razor blade samples (7.7%) contained detectable
HBV DNA.
Reuse of razor blades that carry HBV can infect other people, the
researchers concluded. "Hence, any HBV control and prevention program should
educate barbers about the importance of contagious diseases, proper
sterilization techniques, and avoiding reuse and sharing of contaminated
equipment and supplies like razor blade," they wrote.
09/29/06
Reference
C Eroglu, M Zivalioglu, S Esen, and others. Determination of Hepatitis B
Virus at Used Razor Blade by PCR. 46th Interscience Conference on
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. San Francisco, CA. September 27-30,
2006. Abstract V-1907.
http://www.hivandhepatitis.com/2006icr/icaac/docs/092906_hbv_a.html
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发表于 2006-10-16 00:47
