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Childhood exposures to discarded needles and other objects potentially contaminated with blood-borne pathogens in

Faisal Kordy1, Astrid Petrich2, Stanley E Read1

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario.

Paediatrics & Child Health
|February 27, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Children exposed to discarded needles face risks of blood-borne pathogens (BBP). Public health interventions are crucial to prevent these community exposures and ensure proper follow-up care.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Discarded needles and sharps pose a risk of blood-borne pathogen (BBP) transmission to children.
  • Pathogens of concern include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B (HBV), and hepatitis C.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To retrospectively analyze the epidemiology, management, and outcomes of pediatric BBP exposures in the Toronto community.
  • To identify trends and inform public health strategies for preventing childhood exposures.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of children under 19 years with community-based exposure to potentially infectious objects (2001-2014).
  • Exclusions: sexual and hospital inpatient exposures. Patient identification via HIV testing records.
  • Analysis of exposure types, locations, source subject status, and post-exposure management.

Main Results:

  • 66 community exposures identified, primarily needlesticks (71.2%). Median age: 6.3 years.
  • Exposures occurred outdoors (45.5%), in schools (30.3%), homes (15.2%), and clinics (9.0%).
  • Of 11 source subjects, 7 were HIV-infected. 33.3% received HIV post-exposure prophylaxis; 41.2% of unvaccinated children completed HBV vaccine series. No BBP infections documented, but follow-up testing was inadequate in 39.4%.

Conclusions:

  • Community-based exposures to contaminated sharps pose a significant risk to children.
  • Enhanced public health interventions in schools and community settings are necessary.
  • Improved follow-up testing and vaccination protocols are essential to mitigate BBP transmission risk.
Abstract

Keywords:
Blood-borne pathogensChildrenCommunityHIVNeedlestick

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