G Ital Med Lav Ergon. 2010 Jul-Sep; 32(3):235-9

Update on the subject of epidemiology of blood-transmitted occupational infections.

Puro V, De Carli G, Segata A. et al.

Healthcare workers are exposed to many different pathogens, and cases of occupational infection have been reported involving the vast majority of known and emerging agents. The risk is present during all the phases of patient care and manipulation of biologic materials, therefore a preventive intervention required by law has become necessary. Percutaneous exposures represent an extremely frequent event in healthcare facilities; among the many pathogens acquired through this type of exposure, those of highest concern due to the frequency of exposure are HIV, HBV and HCV. In Europe, the Directive 2010/32/EU approved on May 10 2010 requires Member State to implement within three years a global strategy to prevent occupational exposures in the healthcare setting, particularly with respect to needlestick and sharp injuries, based on the use of devices incorporating safety features. In Italy the introduction of these devices, according to data collected by the SIROH, showed the possibility to decrease percutaneous exposures by 75%, an effect sustained over time if supported by information, education and training.