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Viral transmission and fibreoptic endoscopy
P J Hanson1, D J Jeffries, J V Collins
1Guy's Hospital, London, UK.
The Journal of Hospital Infection
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Thorough cleaning and disinfection effectively inactivate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on endoscopic equipment. Standardized infection control policies are practical for endoscopy units, preventing viral transmission.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Device Sterilization
Background:
- Fibreoptic endoscopes can transmit infections, primarily bacterial, with rare viral transmission cases reported.
- The emergence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) necessitates a review of infection control in endoscopy due to potential transmission risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the risk of HIV transmission via endoscopic procedures.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection protocols for endoscopes contaminated with HIV.
Main Methods:
- Studies involved examining bronchoscopes and gastroscopes used on AIDS patients for HIV genetic material.
- Assessed the efficacy of detergent cleaning and 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde in inactivating HIV, including dried virus in serum.
Main Results:
- Endoscopes used on AIDS patients were found to be contaminated with HIV genetic material.
- Detergent cleaning effectively removed all traces of HIV.
- 2% alkaline glutaraldehyde rapidly inactivated HIV, even when dried on surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Thorough precleaning eliminates high titres of HIV from endoscopes.
- Established cleaning and disinfection protocols, including those recommended by the British Society of Gastroenterology, are effective against HIV.
- A uniform infection control policy for endoscopy units is feasible and recommended.