Potential for medical transmission of HIV in Ethiopia
Priddy, F.; Tesfaye, F.; Mengistu, Y.; Rothenberg, R.; Fitzmaurice, D.; Mariam, D.Haile.; del Rio, C.; Oli, K.; Worku, A.
Aids 19(3): 348-350
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0269-9370 PMID: 15718849 Document Number: 241017
The potential medical transmission of HIV through unsafe medical injections was evaluated in 16 rural health institutions in Ethiopia. Most institutions reported re-using disposable needle/syringes, and 12% of observed injections were given with used, disposable syringes prepared for re-use. Analysis of used needle flushes showed no HIV RNA; however, the sensitivity of our method was limited. Despite the re-use of disposable needles, medical injection practices are not likely to contribute significantly to HIV transmission in this region.