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[Hepatitis following acupuncture]
Schweizerische Medizinische Wochenschrift
|December 1, 1979
Abstract:
Three patients with hepatitis B are presented whose common source of infection was attributed to a physician practising acupuncture. The contamination appears to be due to repetitive use of the same needles for insertion. Among the different side effects of acupuncture, hepatitis B may thus be a serious complication if the needles used are not properly autoclaved.
Insights
Hepatitis B infection was transmitted to three patients through acupuncture performed by a single physician. This highlights the risk of viral transmission from improperly sterilized needles during acupuncture procedures.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique with growing popularity worldwide.
- Hepatitis B is a serious viral infection affecting the liver.
- Infection control breaches in healthcare settings can lead to disease transmission.