Bloodborne Pathogens & Aerosols
In dentistry, the diseases we are most concerned about are those caused by bloodborne pathogens (BBP). Examples are hepatitis B and C and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Transmission may occur from a patient to a dental health care provider (DHCP), from a DHCP to a patient, or from one patient to another patient. The best way to prevent the transmission of BBP is adherence to Standard Precautions1.
Selected References and Additional Resources
Bond WW, Petersen NJ, Favero MS, et al. Transmission of type B viral hepatitis via eye inoculation of a chimpanzee. J Clin Microbiol 1982;15:533–534.
Cole EC, Cook CE. Characterization of infectious aerosols in health care facilities: an aid to effective engineering controls and preventive strategies. Am J Infect Control 1998;26:453–464.
Favero MS, Bolyard EA. Microbiologic considerations. Disinfection and sterilization strategies and the potential for airborne transmission of bloodborne pathogens. Surg Clin North Am 1995;75:1071–1089.
Heinsohn P, Jewett DL. Exposure to blood-containing aerosols in the operating room: a preliminary study. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 1993;54(8):446–453.
Johnson GK, Robinson WS. Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) in the vapors of surgical power instruments. J Med Virol 1991;33:47–50.
Mangram AJ, Horan TC, Pearson ML, Silver LC, Jarvis WR, the Hospital Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee. Guideline for the prevention of surgical site infection, 199external icon. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 1999;20:247–280.
Miller RL. Characteristics of blood-containing aerosols generated by common powered dental instruments. Am Ind Hyg Assoc J 1995;56(7):670–676.
Petersen NM, Bond WW, Favero MS. Air sampling for hepatitis B surface antigen in a dental operatory. JADA 1979;99:465–467.
Petersen NJ. An assessment of the airborne route in hepatitis B transmission. Ann NY Acad Sci 1980;353:157–166.
Footnotes
- Standard Precautions are the minimum infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care, regardless of suspected or confirmed infection status of the patient, in any setting where health care is delivered. These practices are designed to both protect DHCP and prevent DHCP from spreading infections among patients.