Posttraumatic stress disorder after occupational HIV exposure: two cases and a literature review

Two healthcare workers developed disabling chronic posttraumatic stress disorder after needlestick exposures to blood from a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), even though both continue to test negative for HIV antibody more than 22 months after their exposures. We describe th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inInfection control and hospital epidemiology Vol. 27; no. 2; p. 215
Main Authors Worthington, Michael G, Ross, John J, Bergeron, Ellen K
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.02.2006
Subjects
Female
HIV Infections - transmission
Humans
Needlestick Injuries - immunology
Occupational Exposure
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic - psychology
United States
United States
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Summary:Two healthcare workers developed disabling chronic posttraumatic stress disorder after needlestick exposures to blood from a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), even though both continue to test negative for HIV antibody more than 22 months after their exposures. We describe these 2 cases and review the relevant literature. Prospective studies of psychological morbidity after occupational needlestick injuries are required to determine the role of long-term psychological follow-up, counseling, and support.
ISSN:0899-823X
DOI:10.1086/501155