Blood Borne Conditions

Question 1

Incidence of hiv, hep b and syphilis in uk

Answer 1

HIV- 0.1% of uk population
Hep b - uk has a low prevalence -0.3%
Syphilis - rates have increased in 2022 9.4 per 100,000 were diagnosed , mostly in men but cingenital syohilis is rising

Question 2

What is aetiology

Answer 2

HIV - caused by human immunodeficiency virus which attacks CD4 cells in the immune system
Hep b caused by hep b virus which affect the liver
Syphilis caused by bacterium transmitted sexually or vertically.

Question 3

When is screening offered

Answer 3

Blood test at booking ideally before 11 weeks

Question 4

Can hiv be transmitted via breastfeeding

Answer 4

Yes
Formula feeding is advised to e,image risk if mother is hiv positive

Question 5

Can hiv be cured

Answer 5

No but can be well controlled with lifelong antiretroviral therapy

Question 6

Can syphilis be cured

Answer 6

Yes with penicillin
Early treatment can prevent fetal transmission

Question 7

Can be hep b be cured

Answer 7

No chronic hep b cannot be cured but antiviral treatment can be suppress the virus and reduce transmission risk

Question 8

What support is Availble for people living in Leicester

Answer 8

Haymarket sexual health
Specialist hiv clinic

Question 9

What is vertical transmission

Answer 9

From mother to baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding

Question 10

How can vertical transmission of hiv be prevented

Answer 10

Maternal art during pregnancy
Avoid breastfeeding
Regular maternal viral load monitoring

Question 11

How can vertical transmission of hep b be prevented

Answer 11

Screening at booking
Hep b vaccine and hep b immunoglobulin for the baby within 24hours of birth if maternal viral load is high
Complete vaccine course for baby at 0,1,1 and 12 months

Question 12

How can vertical transmission of syphilis be prevented

Answer 12

Early antenatl screening
Prompt penicillin treatment if positive
Monitor with fetal scans and serology
Treatment of sexual partners

Question 13

Intrapartum considerations

Answer 13

Hub - avoid invasive procedures if viral load is high
Hep b standard precautions
Syphilis - avoid fse and forceps if untreated

Question 14

Is there any recommended treatment for neonate to a mother with hiv, hep b or syohilis

Answer 14

HIV - Nekntal art for 4-6 weeks avoid breastfeeding
Hep b vaccine within 24 hours
Syphilis penicillin if infected or at risk

Question 15

Psychological implications

Answer 15

Fear of stigma
Anxiety about vertical transmission
Feelings guilt
Impact on self esteem
Importance of non judgemental